“Gendering” contamination: physical, social and moral taint in the context of COVID-19

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the “gendering” of contamination in the context of COVID-19 where “gendering” is taken to include other, cross-cutting areas of disadvantage.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on secondary sources to explore gender and COVID-19.

Findings

The authors show that contamination is rooted in structural disadvantage, reproducing classed, gendered and racial difference in terms of how it is encountered and experienced.

Practical implications

This “thought piece” suggests a greater awareness of how pandemics and other public health emergencies impact of structural disadvantages.

Originality/value

This “thought piece” applies notions of taint to a contemporary pandemic that has had far-reaching consequences for issues of equality.

Citation

Simpson, R. and Morgan, R. (2020), "“Gendering” contamination: physical, social and moral taint in the context of COVID-19", Gender in Management, Vol. 35 No. 7/8, pp. 685-691. https://doi.org/10.1108/GM-06-2020-0172