Interdisciplinary Perspectives on COVID-19 and the Caribbean, Volume 2 : Society, Education and Human Behaviour

Caribbean countries have had to navigate multiple crises, which have tested their collective resolve through time. In this regard, the region’s landscape has been shaped by an interplay of vulnerability and resilience which has brought to the fore possibilities and contradictions. It is within this context that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic must be considered. Interdisciplinary Perspectives on COVID-19 and the Caribbean, Volume 2: Society, Education and Human Behaviour provides a comprehensive, multi- and interdisciplinary assessment of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, using the Caribbean as the site of enquiry. The edited collection mobilises critical perspectives brought to bear on research produced within and beyond the boundaries and boundedness of conventional academic disciplinary divides, in response to the multi-dimensional crises of our time. This volume is divided into four (4) parts consisting of twenty-three (23) chapters and weaves together fourbroad thematic strands: COVID-19 and Caribbean Society; COVID-19 Religion and Rights; Psycho-social Impacts of COVID-19; and Education, Innovation, and Technology. Authors working within and across the human, social, physical and life sciences consider the myriad effects of the health crisis in the region, interrogating these experiences from the granular to macro level, utilising inter and multidisciplinary lenses. Collectively, the chapters which constitute Volume II expose the fault lines in Caribbean societies, which are deeply rooted in the region’s history and delineate the precise ways in which the pandemic has transformed lives and livelihoods in the region. The culmination of this collection offers a reimagining of our Caribbean contemporary futures in the hope of finding home-grown solutions, avenues and possibilities. Foreword Enter a Virus The Great Disruptor This Double Volume Acknowledgements Contents Notes on Contributors Abbreviations List of Figures List of Tables Part I: COVID-19 and Caribbean Society Chapter 1: Introduction References Chapter 2: In the ‘Shadow’ of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Naming Gendered Violence in the Era of a Global Health Crisis The Politics of Naming Gendered Violence Gendered Violence as ‘Shadow Pandemic’ Delineating Gendered Violence in a Context of Multiple Crises: The Case of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Conclusion References Chapter 3: A Clinical Analysis of Intimate Partner Violence During COVID-19 in Jamaica Background Violence Prevention Models COVID-19 and IPV in Jamaica: 2019–2022 Reports of IPV in the Jamaican Media Salient Themes Nature of the Attacks Motivation for Attacks Victim Response Secondary Themes Judges’ Rulings Abuser Response Did Family and Friends Know? Unexpected Theme Discussion Conclusion References Chapter 4: Disrupted Economy and Sociality: Examining the Socio-economic Impact of COVID-19 on Urban Low-Income Communities in Guyana Introduction National Profile COVID-19 in Guyana Method Demographic of Participants Economic Situation Since the Pandemic Mode of Sociality COVID-19 Experiences Household Conflicts Penalties for Flouting COVID-19 Guidelines Discussion and Conclusion References Chapter 5: Social Capital in the Contexts of Barbados and Jamaica: The Crisis of COVID-19 Introduction Brewster’s Social Capital Position The Complexity of Social Capital and The Relationship Between Social Capital and Welfare Systems State Welfare and Social Capital in Barbados and Jamaica The Role of the Domestic State The Impact of the Supranational State Bonding Social Capital and Welfare Systems: The Household COVID-19 in Barbados and Jamaica Limitations Conclusion References Chapter 6: The COVID-19 Incubator: Unpacking the Impact of the Pandemic on the Triple Vulnerabilities Experienced by Marginalised Communities Background Introduction Literature Review Theoretical Framework Methodology Findings and Analysis Violence Against Women Child Abuse What was the impact of violence on marginalised communities during COVID-19? What measures were used to address violence within the marginalised communities? Social Implications Psychological Family Implications Recommendations Conclusion References Chapter 7: Spread and Severity of COVID-19: A Data-Driven Exploratory Analysis of Vulnerability in the Caribbean Introduction COVID-19 Spread and Severity: Towards a Conceptual Framework Population Characteristics in the 19 Caribbean States Data and Methods Data Measuring Spread and Severity Spread and Severity Parameters in Caribbean Countries Point Estimates of Spread and Severity Period Measures of Spread and Severity Spread and Severity: Classifying Overall Vulnerability Status Overall Vulnerability and the Spread of COVID-19 Overall Vulnerability and the Severity of COVID-19 The Impact of Age Structure and Health Resilience Summary and Conclusion Emergent Knowledge and Implications for Action Concluding Remarks and Next Steps References Chapter 8: Afflicted Verses for Afflicted Times: An Exploration of Olive Senior’s Pandemic Poetry: First Wave Introduction: This Thing That Is Happening to Us Structures of the First Wave Pandemic Lexicon: New Words in Our Mouths Pandemic Lexicon: Dissecting the Rhetoric “‘Grung Poetics’” in a Time of COVID-19 Conclusion: The Pandemic Poems: First Wave as a Portal References Part II: COVID-19 Religion and Rights Chapter 9: COVID-19 and Human Rights in Caribbean Prisons: Evidence from Barbados, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago Introduction Literature Review Prisons and Human Rights International Standards for the Treatment of the Incarcerated The Caribbean Context Data and Methods Findings Human Rights in the Pre-COVID-19 Period Human Rights and Measures Taken to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Suspension of In-person Visitation Suspension of Educational Activities Overcrowding and Early Release Reluctance Discussion Conclusion Limitations References Chapter 10: Disruptions and Transformations: COVID-19 and Social Lives of Churches in Barbados Introduction Section One: Contextualisation Method The Significance of Religion Christianity in Barbados Religion and COVID-19 Section Two: Social Disruptions Worship and Fellowship Pastoral Visitation Concerns for the Elderly Responses by Religious Leaders Psychospiritual and Material Support Uniting Through Technology Conclusion References Chapter 11: The Role of Faith-Based Organisations in Shaping Caribbean Responses to COVID-19 Public Health Measures Introduction Exploring the COVID-19 Religious Literature in Caribbean Populations Experiences from the African American and Caribbean Church Community Understanding the Intersection of Religion and COVID-19 Information Dissemination Emergent Themes Faith Leaders Actively Leveraged Their Influence to Promote Acceptance of NPIs and Vaccine Fostering of Acceptance of Public Health Measures Occurred in the Context of Promoting Civil Liberties and Maintaining the Integrity of the Faith FBO Leaders Used Religious Dogma and Science Concurrently to Influence Decision-Making of Individuals and the Community Inter- and Intra-Faith Tensions and Power Differentials Also Shaped Discussion and Dialogue Structured Information Dissemination Sessions Overarching Theme Implications for Interactions Between Religion and Public Health in the Caribbean Limitations Reflexivity Conclusion References Part III: Psycho-social Impacts of COVID-19 Chapter 12: Extending the Theory of Planned Behaviour Model Predicting Vaccine Intentions: The Roles of Conspiracy Ideation and Risk Perception Introduction The Role of Conspiracy Ideation The Role of Perceived Risk of COVID-19 The Present Study and Its Proposed Hypothesised Model Methods Sampling and Procedures Measures Results Structural Equation Modelling and the Proposed Conceptual Model Testing the Proposed Structural Model Comparing the Proposed Conceptual Model Against the Original TPB Model Testing Perceived Risk of COVID-19 as a Moderator Discussion Conclusions, Limitations and Further Research Recommendations References Chapter 13: COVID-19 and Women in the Informal Sector: The Psychological Impact Introduction The Psychological Effects of COVID-19 on Women Healthcare Women Who Provide Wellness Services to Others Female Entrepreneurship Purpose of the Study Method Data Analysis Results Transitioning to Work During COVID-19—Technology Anxiety Effects of COVID-19 on Physical and Mental Health Physical Health Mental Health Mindset Shifting—Overcoming Fear Care Leading to Self-Care Spirituality as Self-Care Readiness for Future Change Importance of Support Relationships Discussion Implications, Future Research and Recommendations Conclusion References Chapter 14: The Impact of COVID-19 on the Work-Life Balance of Women in Barbados Introduction and Objectives Literature Review Work-Life Balance Impact of COVID-19 on Work-Life Balance Methods and Approach Participants Semi-structured Interview Methods of Analysis Results and Analysis Work Context Family Context Greatest Challenges to Work-Life Balance Impact of Stress Key Changes and Adjustments of Women to the Pandemic in Family and Work Settings Skipped Healthcare Time Off from Work Key Forms of Support and Assistance Needed for Women in COVID-19 Pandemic Support Policies Discussion Work Context Family Context Impact of Stress Key Changes and Adjustments of Women to the Pandemic in Family and Work Settings Skipped Healthcare Time Off from Work Recommendations Limitations Conclusion References Chapter 15: The Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Caribbean Adverse Childhood Experiences ACEs and the Caribbean Experience Psychological, Physical, and Sexual Abuse Neglect Household Dysfunction Substance Abuse Mental Illness ACEs and COVID-19: A Global Perspective Psychological, Physical, and Sexual Abuse Neglect Household Dysfunction Substance Abuse Mental Illness Purpose and Rationale Methods Search Strategy Assessment of Study Quality Methodological Approach Results Description of Studies Methodology Participants Context ACEs Measured Assessment of Study Quality COVID-19 and ACEs in the English-Speaking Caribbean Exposure to Adult Mental Ill-Health Household Dysfunction: Economic Instability Neglect: Access to Medical Care Discussion Recommendations Further Research Mandated Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect Interventions for At-Risk Families Training of Involved Professionals Limitations Conclusion and Summary Study References References Chapter 16: An Overview of the Psychosocial and Economic Impact of COVID-19 on Children and Their Parents in the Caribbean Introduction and Key Objectives of Research Children in a COVID-19 Pandemic World Effects of Parental Stress on Children Psychological Distress of Children Toddlers and Pre-schoolers Older Children/Teenagers Education Social Protection The Economic Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Parents of Caribbean Households Unemployment Poverty Gender Inequality Household Consumption, Spending, and Saving Household Food Security Household Debt Parents’ Health and Wellness Conclusion Recommendations References Chapter 17: Are Caribbean COVID-19 Policies Ageist? An Analysis from Barbados, Jamaica and the Bahamas Preamble Introduction Theoretical Framework Method Country Context Barbados Jamaica The Bahamas General COVID-19 Policies Across All Countries COVID-19 Protocols and Policies for Older Adults in the Selected Countries Barbados Jamaica The Bahamas Discussion Recommendations Conclusion References Part IV: Education, Innovation and Technology Chapter 18: Breaching the Education Boundaries: COVID, Classrooms and Shifting Technologies Introduction Technology to the Rescue, Right? Wrong! “Never Let a Good Crisis Go to Waste” Towards a Theory to Inform Technology Integration in Education in the Eastern Caribbean Crossing the Technology Chasm: Initial Steps Taken Breaching the Education Boundaries: Charting a Course to Success Implications for Education in the Future Reflection References Chapter 19: Swimming Against the Tide, Flipped Upside Down: Navigating the Teaching and Learning Environment in the COVID-19 Pandemic Introduction Move to Flexible Teaching and Learning Review of Literature The HyFlex Model Flipped Classroom Approach My Experience with the Hybrid Classroom The Flipped Course Design Teacher Preparation Student Process Online Synchronous Sessions Small Group Tutorial Session Evaluation of the Flipped Classroom Approach Methodology Results Flipped Classroom Versus Hybrid Approach Preparation for Class Classroom Experience Opportunity for Deeper Learning Work-School-Family-Life Balance Flexibility Discussion Researcher’s Reflection Conclusion References Chapter 20: Locked Down or Locked Out? The Push and Pull of Maintaining Academic Integrity Using E-Proctoring Software Introduction Context of The UWI During the COVID-19 Pandemic Dependence on Technology During COVID-19 Academic Integrity E-Proctoring Software Factors Affecting Students During Online Exams Exam Environment Exam Culture Psychological Concerns Privacy Concerns Methods and Materials Research Design Instrument Results and Discussion Research Question 1: How Well Were Students Prepared Technologically for Final E-Proctored Exams? E-Proctored Practice Exam E-Proctored Final Exam Research Question 2: What Were the Concerns of Students While Using E-Proctoring Software? E-Proctored Practice Exam E-Proctored Final Exam Exam Environment Cultural Concerns Psychological Issues Privacy Concerns Research Question 3: To What Extent Did Students Believe That Using E-Proctoring Software Is Important for Academic Integrity? Perception of Integrity Research Question 4: To What Extent Were Students Satisfied with the Overall Experience of Using E-Proctoring Software in Exams? Conclusion and Recommendations References Chapter 21: Social Media, the Communication Tool Used by Caribbean Public Health Entities During the Pandemic: An Examination Introduction Social Media as a Communication Tool Method Account Selection Data Collection Measures (Gough et al. 2017) Social Media Audit Data Analysis Results and Discussion Reach Effectiveness Adoption Implementation Maintenance Conclusion References Chapter 22: Pivoting Towards Emergency Remote Teaching: A Case Study of the Barbados Institute of Management and Productivity Background Context Review of Related Literature Emergency Remote Teaching Instructors’ Preparedness for Emergency Remote Teaching Technology Readiness Teaching Preparedness Pedagogical Competence Conceptual Framework Methodology Research Design Quantitative Component Instrument Data Collection Key Attributes of Instructors’ Preparedness for ERT Level of Instructors’ Preparedness for ERT Qualitative Component Ethical Considerations Results and Discussion Demographics Technology Readiness Teaching Preparedness Pedagogical Competence Conclusions and Recommendations References Chapter 23: COVID-19 and Big Data Research: Techniques and Applications in the Caribbean Introduction Big Data and Applications During COVID-19 Big Data in the Caribbean Concerns and Constraints of Big Data Usage in the Caribbean Application of Big Data in the Caribbean Utilising Crowdsourced and Population Movement Data to Evaluate the Impact of Shelter in Place Orders (SIPOs): The Case of Trinidad and Tobago Understanding the Problem Understanding the Data Methodology Key Findings and Lessons Learned Assessing the Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health and Coping Strategies: The Case of Caribbean Countries Understanding the Problem Understanding the Data Methodology Key Findings and Lessons Learned Assessing the Impact of COVID-19 on Stock Market Returns: The Case of a Small Island Caribbean Territory Understanding the Problem Understanding the Data Methodology Key Findings and Lessons Learned Conclusion References Chapter 24: Afterword: Re-imagining Caribbean Futures Post COVID-19 Strengthening Our Health Care Systems and Climate Action Responses Against Existing and Future Threats Addressing the Growing Gender Inequalities and Other Sociological Risks and Vulnerabilities Resolving the Socio-psychological Tensions and Trauma of Crises Bolstering Pandemic Resilience Through Diversification and Modernisation of Tourism, Business, and Educational Sectors in the Region Enhancing the State and Quality of Governance for Better Policymaking and Action References Index