Os jovens, os velhos e o vírus:

reflexões sobre gerações e pandemia

Abstract

The unfoldings of the Covid-19 pandemics have also greatly affected the intergenerational relations in Brazil. From the stress on the perception of risk to the necessity of care, mainly related to the elderly, the sanitary crisis has offered space for questions not only about socio-historical generational determinants, but also for the close relationship between ages and the main health policies to control the problem. Especially for the young, the unexpected extension of the social isolation period has triggered several problems - such as mental health related problems, and the increase in unemployment - pointed out as decisive to “escape” from isolation and “return to the normal life”, even when there is an imminent contamination risk. In Brazil, this soon prompted an accelerated rise in deaths and infections from the disease among the youngest ones. This article addresses some of the issues arising in the Sociology of Age and Sociology of Health concerning the debate around the notions of risk and care among the young and the elder, from the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemics in Brazil.