Ethics in times of pandemic: An exploratory study on the values, attitudes and civic habits of Catalan citizens regarding the COVID-19 crisis

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a wide impact on everybody’s life. This exploratory study was carried out from the Observatory of Good Citizenship and Values of Catalonia and the Moral Education Research Group of the University of Barcelona to learn about the impact of the virus on the values, attitudes, habits, and citizenship behavior during the pandemic in Catalonia (2020-2021). The data were collected at two points in time, through two descriptive surveys (with 1070 and 2018 participants, respectively), in order to reflect the individual perceptions and concerns about the virus. The conclusions show the impact of the crisis on two levels: 1) On behaviors, habits, and attitudes, where the impact of COVID-19 on daily life was the main topic – preoccupation with infection and its risks, compliance with security measures and modification of consumption habits; and 2) In the realm of people’s values and ideals, where a reconfiguration of the hierarchy of values may be observed. The conclusions provide a base for the development of programs in moral and citizenship education, legislation and politics.