As we enter the last part of 2021, we are again struggling with COVID-19, particularly the Delta variant, as we contemplate going back into “lock down.” Not what we had all envisioned a year and a half into this pandemic, but with resolve and optimism, we all look forward to a brighter future.
We have suffered losses unimaginable just a few years ago, across the globe. This state of suffering is with us until we can protect all of humanity. A luminary in the field of well-being was Ron Anderson, professor emeritus of the University of Minnesota. His work on suffering and striving to address “ill-being” has influenced generations of scholars and practitioners. We lost Ron less than a year ago during the pandemic and we dedicate this issue in his memory. It is with great hope that his work perseveres with others continuing to shine light on suffering and what can be done to help alleviate it. The International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies (www.isqols.org) established the Ronald E. Anderson Endowed Track on the Alleviation of Human Suffering several years ago, and this permanent track in ISQOLS’ annual conference will be a way to keep developing Professor Anderson’s beneficial work. Topics welcomed for the track include activism, altruism, caregivers, civil society, development, disaster relief, education, housing, meaning, migration, peace, reducing inequality, social responsibility, solidarity, sustainability, volunteering, etc.
We encourage you to explore Ron’s work, including the last three books which focus on human suffering. There is scarcely a more apropos topic than this in these current times. Note that his desire was to “build a community of researchers that will investigate human suffering and its alleviation on a global scale,” and we welcome you joining us to continue to develop this community. The titles of his last three books are:
Anderson, R. (2014). Human Suffering and Quality of Life -Conceptualizing Stories and Statistics. NYC: Springer.
Anderson, R. (Ed.) (2015). World Suffering and Quality of Life. NYC: Springer.
Anderson, R. (Ed.) (2017) Alleviating World Suffering –The Challenge of Negative Quality of Life. NYC: Springer.
This issue focuses on commentaries and related work on the COVID-19 pandemic because it is still with us and influences myriad aspects of our lives. Indeed, as of this writing, many countries are still awaiting vaccines and until this happens, we all truly cannot expect healthier outcomes for the human condition.
The collection of commentaries on the pandemic run the gamut from addressing issues around civil unrest, to social stigmas, to gathering data to inform tools for tracking the spread of the virus. We are indeed in a paradigm shift, as one author discusses, and it will take much effort to navigate these changes throughout society, economies, and environments across the globe.
One perspective article discusses these changes in the context of conscious change needed to counter the pandemic’s ill effects.
The issue also includes three original research articles, with two focusing on indigenous aspects and one on social well-being. The issue concludes with a book review of COVID-19: The Great Reset.
Our wish for you is to remain healthy and strong during these challenging times. Be well.
The Editors
Footnotes
Publisher's Note
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