The Wuhan Lockdown

Wuhan, a city of 11 million, was the site of the first reports of a mysterious new form of pneumonia in 2019, leading to an unprecedented lockdown. This book tells the dramatic story of the Wuhan lockdown through the voices of the city's residents, using a vast archive of 6,000 diaries. Sociologist Guobin Yang analyzes how the state managed the lockdown and explores how Wuhans residents responded, demonstrating that citizen engagement was essential in fighting the pandemic. The book features compelling stories of citizens and civic groups in their struggle against COVID-19, revealing the intricacies of politics, citizenship, morality, community, and digital technology.

Format: Hardback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Wuhan, a bustling metropolis with a population of approximately 11 million, found itself at the epicenter of a global health crisis when the first reports of a mysterious new form of pneumonia emerged in the late days of 2019. In response, an unprecedented lockdown was declared, marking the beginning of a series of measures taken by governments worldwide to combat the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. This book, written by sociologist Guobin Yang, delves into the dramatic story of the Wuhan lockdown through the voices of the city's residents. Drawing upon a vast archive of over 6,000 diaries, Yang vividly portrays how Wuhan coped with the crisis, analyzing the state's management of the lockdown and exploring the various responses of its citizens.

One of the key themes of the book is the importance of citizen engagement in fighting the pandemic. Yang demonstrates that both public action and civic inaction played crucial roles in the city's efforts to contain the virus. Citizens, including physicians, patients, volunteers, government officials, feminist organizers, social media commentators, and even aunties, took on increasingly active roles in their struggle against COVID-19. Their stories, featured prominently in the book, shed light on the complexities of politics, citizenship, morality, community, and digital technology during this critical period.

The Wuhan Lockdown offers a unique perspective on China at a critical moment in its history. It provides a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people who were caught up in the crisis, their struggles, and their resilience. The book captures the essence of China's response to the pandemic, revealing the intricacies of its political system, the challenges faced by its citizens, and the role of technology in shaping public opinion.

In conclusion, The Wuhan Lockdown is an unparalleled account of the first moments of the crisis that would define the age. Through the voices of the city's residents, Yang provides a vivid and compelling portrayal of the lockdown and its impact on Wuhan and the world. The book sheds light on the importance of citizen engagement, the challenges faced by governments in responding to pandemics, and the role of technology in shaping public opinion. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the global health crisis and its impact on society.

Weight: 646g
Dimension: 160 x 236 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231200462