Getting through COVID-19 together: Understanding local governments' social media communication.

This study provides new insights into how local governments (LGs) manage pandemic-related crisis communication with citizens on their social media (SM) profiles. We analyze over 3000 posts published on SM profiles of selected LGs in Poland to get insights on rhetorical communication strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. We document LGs as they go beyond the simple transmission of information to citizens and use SM in an engaging and educational manner. We found three types of rhetorical strategies and their resonance with the public. Our analysis suggests that LGs are likely to apply the Together communication strategy, which is the most engaging.

Deepening inequalities: What did COVID-19 reveal about the gendered nature of academic work?

This study discusses the gendered nature of the transformation of academic work, which has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. We collected empirical material in spring 2020, at the peak of the pandemic, via 28 interviews with academics in Poland. The results illustrate the far-reaching and lasting impacts of the pandemic on academia that reinforce existing gender inequalities and bring new ones. The study also reveals the invisible academic work, which is performed mostly by female faculty. This work, neither recognized nor rewarded in the course of women's academic careers, deepens the gendered organization of work in higher education institutions.