Social Distance – History and Presence of the Hygienic Consciousness

ABSTRACT

Social distancing – this is the formula to which pandemic daily life has had to adapt to in a very short time. In the public debate, however, it is often overlooked that this is not only a contemporary phenomenon. This article expands the discussion to include an historical perspective on social distancing, by focusing on scenes of hygiene and disease prevention from the 18th and 19th century. It becomes evident that socially distanced behaviors practiced during times with increased risks of infection is not just a product of medical progress, but is modelled on the growing middle-class lifestyle. © Leviathan (Germany). All rights reserved.