Ethnographic Study of Cultural Construction of Covid-19 in Gilgit City

Abstract

Coronavirus being a novel global threat, is an instigating threat for people due to high contagious nature. In Gilgit, there has been a variety of perceptions about coronavirus existence and treatment generated through several sources. This research explores the perception of people about coronavirus. The attitude and practice of people regarding coronavirus were also assessed. To conduct this research, thirty-eight respondents of different age groups, religious sects, gender, profession, and educational qualification were selected as a research sample. Qualitative research methods: including the case study method, participant observation, and in-depth interviews, were employed to get detailed data. The key findings of the research demonstrate that varied perception about the existence, symptoms, treatment, and vaccination was found based on cultural and religious beliefs, economic organization, personal experience, and sources of information with various rumors, misconceptions, and false beliefs about the covid-19 pandemic. A constant sense of fear and change in behavioural patterns is also observed. Eating practices and greeting ways of people have also changed. Despite the prevalence of coronavirus, people follow religious obligations and community gatherings under religious and cultural beliefs. People in the research area practice and perceive social distancing diversely. A segment of the population considered it essential, whereas others believe that it has negative consequences on personal well-being and community values.