Controlling Contagion

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In examining the impact of infectious diseases throughout history, the book explores how societies respond to the challenges posed by epidemics. It identifies three critical societal challenges: caring for victims, recovering from economic devastation, and the effects on institutions themselves. Through an analysis of eight centuries of epidemics across various regions, the author highlights the roles of six key social institutions—market, state, community, religion, guild, and family—in managing the costs of contagion. A multifaceted institutional approach is presented as essential for effectively addressing these challenges.