COVID-19 and Family Schedule

Abstract

The delicate balance between the private and the public sphere affects families in a unique way, whose social place is to be found at the border of the two. Families are fundamental resources for the public – primarily due to their capacity to reproduce – however, they also rely strongly on the frameworks provided by the public. The latter affects especially the time schedule of families. Two current events have also challenged the sensitive balance between the two speres. The COVID-19 pandemic pushed certain public roles and activities over to the private sphere due to social distancing rules and compulsory lockdowns. Meanwhile, the energy crisis caused by the war delegates these public roles and activities to the private sphere.