Pandemic Sociology: From Macro to Micro

This study explores how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the intimate lives of young adult graduate students in New York City. Through interviews, the researchers found that the pandemic acted as an exogenous force, altering relationship trajectories, prompting introspection about sexuality, shifting understandings of sexual risk, and leading to increased use of digital technologies for intimacy. While changes were widespread, the responses were heterogeneous, depending on living situation, relationship status, and individual desires. The study emphasizes the importance of considering cultural meanings and social processes when investigating post-COVID sexualities.

Alexander Borsa, Maximillian Calleo, Joshua Faires, Golda Kaplan, Shadiya Sharif, Dingyu Zhang, Tey Meadow