Time and Space in the Pandemic: Compression, Distanciation and the Digital Divide

The paper discusses the stretching of social relations across temporal and spatial borders, as well as the compression of time and space in the Covid-19 pandemic. It uses the theoretical arguments of David Harvey, Anthony Giddens and Doreen Massey in understanding concepts of time, space, and the power dynamics fueling social relations. The pandemic and the new norms of social isolation have only led to the development of remote work, and using telecommuter services to continue work as usual. This paper explores these new modes of services which allow individuals to work, study, visit museums, theater, and distant locations from home. However, the global trend of online work is deeply rooted in exclusionary practices, as large groups of people are left behind in this practice. The paper looks at these exclusions, and also aims to focus on the aspect of digital divide in India, and the inclusivity of online classes.