Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact worldwide, affecting not only health and economies but also values, societal cohesion, and stability. While many studies have explored various aspects of COVID-19’s impact, there has been a lack of research specifically focused on its effect on societal value systems. This study aims to fill that gap by examining how COVID-19 governance and public policies have influenced social values within Jordanian society, particularly from the perspective of students at the German Jordanian University (GJU). Additionally, the study seeks to identify whether there are statistically significant differences (α = .05) in the perceived impact of COVID-19 and its related public policies on the value system based on students’ sex and specialization. Utilizing a quantitative analysis approach, a specially designed questionnaire was distributed to a sample of 228 randomly selected GJU students. The findings reveal that COVID-19 governance and public policies have transformed societal values in Jordan, with the process of securitization having a notable impact, particularly among women. The results indicate a clear hierarchy of values, with personal values being the most affected, followed by social, national, and political values, and finally, civic values. This study highlights the importance of adapting to the evolving circumstances triggered by the pandemic and the need for further exploration of how such crises can reshape societal values and behaviors.