In this book, edited by Emile Aarts, Hein Fleuren, Margriet Sitskoorn and Ton Wilthagen, the transition from the old to a new “together” is described. The word “common” has many interesting and relevant meanings including: collective, normal, public place, collective. All these elements contribute to describing the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. And in setting up what is often called the 1.5 meter society or the new normal. More than fifty scientists from all five faculties of Tilburg University were invited to contribute. These have been complemented by several colleagues from other universities and a single author from the private domain.

“With this book we hope to stimulate discussion regarding the social consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic in such a way that the book will be outdated in a year’s time, but in the intervening twelve months it will inspire many to come up with new insights, thoughts and additions”.  – Editors.

Background

On February 27th 2020 the first official corona contamination was registered in Tilburg. Meanwhile, it is clear that a pandemic with major health, economic and social consequences has arisen. Therefore, in mid-March a number of Tilburg University professors took the initiative to write the book “The New Common”. With this book, Tilburg University wants to contribute to a better understanding of the impact of the pandemic and to a forward-looking vision and approach.