Fourteenth Global Studies Conference

Abstract

Human interaction occurs within the societal context of institutions which are a type of organizational pattern established and maintained to accomplish the basic life goals and purposes. Institutions and organizations structure life and provide predictability, order and help minimize destructive conflict in social interactions. Without properly functioning institutions and organizations, societal chaos ensues. But, in order to function properly, institutions and organizations depend on accepted rules of conduct that are followed by the organization’s and institution’s members, Without generally accepted and followed rules of conduct and communication that prescribe and proscribe behavior, institutions and organizations cannot function. Both institutions and organizations define and regulate and limit acceptable behavior and communication patters in order to achieve the goals of the organization or institution. This paper, from a social disorganization perspective, examines the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic on the institutions, both formal and informal, of society. The paper discusses the harm the virus has done to our institutions and organizational life, the effect this has had on social interaction and cohesion and offers some suggestions for repair.