Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a decline in the number of shoppers led to a shift in seller behavior, with a higher likelihood of keeping change, according to a study by SWPS University scientists. This serves as a warning for shoppers to be more cautious and offers valuable insights for policymakers during crises.
Researchers at SWPS University delved into the lesser-known impacts of the pandemic, focusing on how shop assistants’ behavior was affected by the restrictions. Their findings, published in PLOS One, shed light on the consequences of reduced social interactions in shops.
Dr. Maciej Kościelniak, co-author of the study, highlighted the impact of face coverings and social distancing on social norms and material losses. While masks are essential for protection, they also alter human interactions, limiting the ability to make accurate judgments and increasing anonymity.
The study, conducted in 216 grocery shops in Poland, revealed that over 78% of the participating shop assistants were women, providing valuable insights into the gender dynamics of the observed behaviors.
2024-03-08 12:41:03
Original from phys.org