Reflections On COVID-19: FCS and Social Entrepreneurship: Partners in Crisis

ABSTRACT

Loss of life, unemployment, reduced global trade, and changing consumer behavior could contribute to an economic recession on a scale not observed since the Great Depression of the 1930s, particularly if infection rates spike further (Congressional Research Service, 2020). Micro-level decisions to alter individual and family purchase behavior through reacting, coping, and adaptation mechanisms will continue to influence macro-level financial uncertainty (Kirk & Rifkin, 2020). [...]many businesses have redirected innovation efforts (which drive growth) toward solving shortterm problems precipitated by the pandemic (Am et ah, 2020). [...]as expressed by Nickols and Kay (2015) in their Introduction to Remaking Home Economics, times of crisis have a way of revealing deficiencies and complexities involved in ensuring basic needs. [...]although the discipline was founded more than 100 years ago, the need for integrated, human-centered (i.e., FCS) responses to converging crises could not be more relevant than it is today. [...]where there is crisis and challenge that affects the human condition, there is great opportunity for FCS professionals to apply their disciplinary expertise and social entrepreneurship skills in research-based, innovative solutions.