COVID-19 and the fluidity of Group Identification: Perspectives from Religion and Philosophy

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to argue that COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the commonality of human experiences and the fluidity of group identities. This, therefore, warrants the need to rethink the underlying position of scholars in area studies, particularly in religion and cultural studies, who focus on how humans exclusively differ according to regions and cultures. To achieve its aim, this paper adopted qualitative method of study to analyse primary and secondary data using content analysis. It assessed the question of identity from specific religious, and broader philosophical perspectives. This study found that various bases for human identification and grouping faded in the face of COVID-19 as societies vigorously exchanged ideas and updates, on solutions to the problem. Based on this, this paper concludes that the commonality of human experiences in the face of global problems such as COVID-19 is an empirical pointer to the absurdity of rigid group identifications. The authors therefore recommend that scholars in area studies such as African studies, need to devote less attention to cultural and regional differences and points of unique identifications. It will prove more useful if they devote more attention to the imperative to collaborate with each other towards solving human problems.