Amanda Morris Sociology

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Pages: 2

Chronic disease can affect people’s lives in ways that don’t first come to mind. Amanda Morris talks about how illnesses like coronovirus (Covid-19) can affect intimacy in relationships. Covid not only caused an increase in mental illness, but also negatively affected families. Amanda Morris uses a real life example and their account to show how Covid-19 changed someone, and damaged their relationship. Amanda Morris, a reporter for the Washington Post who focuses on disability, starts off her article by introducing Fran Haddock. Fran Haddock is a woman who loves the outdoors, she loves nature and plants. Her partner Dan Kenny shared this love for the outdoors, which built a strong relationship. In November of 2022, Amanda got sick with Covid-19 …show more content…
Not only was Amanda struggling with being ill, but Dan experienced mental stress as well. Having to almost experience a loss of Amanda’s personality that he grew to love. Being diagnosed with Covid-19 causes physical, mental and emotional strain. Amanda mentions expert opinion stating “sick or disabled partners may feel misunderstood or isolated” (Morris 2024). Not only will couples feel physically ill, but they will carry the burden of being sick and in need of care. Families change due to Covid and other chronic illnesses’ economic, mental, physical, and the dynamic within the family changes. The symbolic interactionist perspective can explain why changes like this occur, explained by its definition, “this perspective emphasizes that human behavior is influenced by symbols and meanings that are created by symbolic interaction with others” (Mooney 2021). Interactions with others influence how someone acts, it can influence the norms in their household, or the way they act in relationships. The symbolic interactionist perspective “emphasizes that interaction with others has a powerful effect on our self-concept” (Mooney