Using Peter L. Berger and Thomas Luckmann’s Social Constructionist theory as well as Goffman’ Frame Analysis, this thesis will look at the construction of the essential worker during the COVID-19 pandemic. How this framework was created and adopted by society in such a short period of time is largely related to media perceptions and the labor force in America. Building off of this, I will analyze the validity of this new narrative and what it truly means for workers during these difficult times. If we say these people matter, how then do we go about proving it? Further, if we want this narrative to stick, keeping these workers “essential” after the pandemic, there must be new policies and laws implemented to support this change. Beyond essential workers, this change gives rise to immense social implications. If we can alter our perceptions on essential workers overnight, we can likewise use this framework to change our collective perceptions surrounding various other marginalized groups in our society.
