The Impact of Covid-19 on Social Relations among Jordanian Families in Amman

Huda A.  Alhajjaj; Sara A.  Taha

doi:10.35516/hum.v50i5.977

Authors

Huda A. Alhajjaj Department of Social Work, Faculty of Arts, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2535-4377
Sara A. Taha The University of Jordan, Amman, Jorda https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5935-417X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35516/hum.v50i5.977

Keywords:

Covid-19, social relations, parental relationships, Jordanian families

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to investigate how the Covid-19 pandemic affected social relations among Jordanian families, including social and parental relationships. Furthermore, it aims to highlight the influence of the pandemic on family cohesiveness and stability.

Methods: A qualitative technique was used, being effective in extracting information on the influence of Covid-19 on Jordanian family relations (BTS Academy, 2018). The members of the study sample were sixteen Jordanian couples having children living in Amman. They were interviewed during November 2021.

Results: The results reveal that Covid-19 has a significant impact on social relations among family members, because of drastic and dramatic changes in the social and economic lifestyle. These changes contributed to the increase of violence between spouses. Surprisingly, the results show that, during the pandemic, the level of disagreement and conflict between parents and children was reduced. The results also indicate that Covid-19 had an influence not only on family interactions, but also on family atmosphere, namely the stability and coherence within that atmosphere.

Conclusions: The research recommends providing online counseling sessions by family-focused institutions to couples to assist them in adapting to the changes that have occurred in their relationships throughout the epidemic.

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