COVID-19 in Emerging and Democratic Countries: Qualitative Differences in Trust in Authority

• In Event: Narratives, Myths, and Conceptual Explorations of Crime Perception

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted public trust in authorities, including law enforcement and governmental institutions. While occurrences of pandemics are infrequent, they can result in elevated mortality rates, significant social and economic upheaval, and pervasive fear and anxiety. During national emergencies, skepticism towards governmental bodies and law enforcement often intensifies, further amplifying public concern. An expanding array of research has analyzed how the global COVID-19 pandemic shaped the perceptions of the authorities responsible for maintaining public order and health. However, further investigation is necessary to understand how pandemic responses have influenced public perceptions in various geopolitical contexts, with particular emphasis on both emerging and established democracies. Notably, there are national variations in the roles that police and other criminal justice entities played during the COVID-19 crisis. For instance, law enforcement was integral to implementing restrictions such as mask mandates and curfews in certain countries. This study employs in-depth interviews to juxtapose public perceptions of trust in police and government authorities during the global pandemic. Data were collected from Kenya and Brazil, representing developing democracies, as well as from the United States and the United Kingdom, which are more established democracies. Findings and implications will be discussed.

Authors

• Damilola Sholademi, School of Criminology and Justice Studies, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, USA

• Puthborey Phon, School of Criminology and Justice Studies, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, USA

• Amber Horning Ruf, University of Massachusetts Lowell

• Joselyne Chenane Nkogo, University of Massachusetts Lowell

• Rita Augustyn, Keene State College