Living in a worldwide quarantine: A social practice theory analysis of the grocery shopping change during Covid-19 crisis

Abstract

This paper studies the practice of grocery shopping during a disaster outbreak, by examining the case of the Covid-19 pandemic. The research on how the grocery shopping is conducted during a disaster is scarce. Therefore, this qualitative study aims to contribute with knowledge to both the disaster management and grocery shopping fields by exploring how grocery shopping is carried out under restrictions and measures occurring during a disaster, and to identify what is changed. The practice theory approach is used to empirically explore and to conceptualize the process of practice change during the disruption of the normal everyday life. This qualitative study was performed in form of personal interviews, while additional research and observation of grocery stores were conducted to illustrate the ongoing situation. Thematic analysis was performed for the analysis of the data and the findings identified six different patterns in how the practice of grocery shopping is being changed during a disaster. The meaning of safety and the need to follow different guidelines are the most important factors to lead to changes in the performance of grocery shopping. Finally, the findings indicate that some of the changes in the grocery shopping practice will change back when the everyday life returns to normality.