Book review: Nanwani, S. and Loxley, W. Social Structure Adaptation to COVID-19: Impact on Humanity. Routledge.

Social Structure Adaptation to COVID-19: Impact on Humanity, edited by Suresh Nanwani and William Loxley, is a profound exploration of societal shifts prompted by the global pandemic. Drawing upon the expertise of 27 contributors from 20 countries, the book provides a comprehensive, multidisciplinary analysis of the pandemic’s effects on critical societal dimensions, including education, governance, public health, workforce behaviour, and technology.

By employing a systems analysis approach, the editors and contributors present a nuanced view of how societies worldwide navigated one of the most disruptive crises in modern history. As someone focused on internationalisation, comparative studies, culture and identity, organisational development, lifelong learning, and entrepreneurship education - and a firm believer in social constructivism - this book resonates deeply with perspectives that emphasise interconnectedness, cultural adaptation, and the power of collective learning.

The book is structured into six parts, each examining a critical sector affected by the pandemic: education, public policy, workforce behaviour, technology, culture, and broader societal adaptability. Essays in these sections provide case studies, reflections, and forward-looking insights. This organisation enables readers to understand the interconnectedness of societal systems and the cascading effects of the pandemic across different sectors.

From the outset, the editors frame the COVID-19 pandemic as a "black swan" event - a rare and unpredictable occurrence with far-reaching consequences. This framing underpins the book’s analysis, which extends beyond immediate impacts to consider long-term transformations. For instance, the introduction discusses how COVID-19 acted as a catalyst for innovation in digital technology, accelerating shifts towards hybrid work and virtual learning.