Spanish residents’ experiences of care during the first wave of the COVID-19 syndemic: a photo-elicitation study

Abstract

Purpose The main aim of this research was to explore experiences of care during the lockdown of the first wave of COVID-19 syndemic in Spain Methods This is a qualitative and explorative study using self-photo-elicitation as a data collection method. Fifteen participants (Twelve women and three men) shared 25 photographs and one video between the June 18 and August, 2020. Participants’ photographs and texts were collected online. Data were analysed based on Thematic Analysis. Results Three emerging categories were constructed: 1) the deconstruction of care: self-care and collective care 2) the crisis of care and gendered care, 2) beyond anthropocentrism: animalism and ecology. Findings indicate the need to understand “care” in terms of social reproduction, including self-care, care towards other humans and non-human animals, and collective care. Also, the need to care for planetary health and to be in contact with nature as a form of self-care and social care. Conclusions Care in a period of social and health crisis puts human relationships and also non-human life at the centre. Care requires adopting taking an ecological one-health perspective.

Essential Workers Balancing Life and Work during the COVID-19 Syndemic in Spain: A Qualitative and Gender-Based Study

“…Te main reason for this could be the naturalisation of women's role in the household as the main carer [47] and the lack of communication and agreements regarding sharing reproductive work tasks [48]. Women appeared to feel more responsible for reproductive work, while men focused on their own experiences of self-care [49]. Moreover, the types of tasks performed by women and men were diferent, with men performing tasks that could be considered more rewarding, such as playing with children.…”