Taiwan’s Unparalleled Pandemic Response: A Culture of Compliance

In a world where digital surveillance has become the norm to combat COVID-19, Taiwan stands out as a beacon of success in containing the virus with minimal resistance from its population. But what drives this compliance? In this article, we explore the unique cultural and social factors that have contributed to Taiwan’s remarkable pandemic response.

The Value of Society

Taiwanese society places a high premium on protecting others, which has led to a culture of conformity when it comes to following government guidelines. According to a recent Pew survey, Taiwanese respondents ranked “society” as the most important value in life, ahead of material well-being, family, freedom, and hobbies. This societal values orientation plays a significant role in shaping individual attitudes and behaviors.

Social Pressure

Young adults in Taiwan pointed to social pressure from family and friends as a major reason for their compliance with digital pandemic surveillance. They fear being ostracized or judged by others if they do not follow the rules. As one respondent, Lin, noted:

“And the social pressures… everyone will be pissed off at you, and this happens frequently through social media.”

The Power of Social Justice Warriors

Taiwan has a unique phenomenon known as “正义魔人” (zhèng yì mó rén), or self-appointed justice arbiters, who take it upon themselves to uphold state policy. These individuals report rule-breakers and confront them in public, creating a sense of community pressure to comply.

Conclusion

Taiwan’s pandemic response has been hailed as one of the most successful globally, with minimal resistance from its population. The country’s cultural values, social pressures, and unique phenomenon of “正义魔人” have all contributed to this remarkable outcome. As we reflect on Taiwan’s response, it serves as a reminder of the importance of societal cohesion in combating global health crises.

Featured Comment

“I’m so proud of my fellow Taiwanese for putting society first. It’s amazing how a sense of community and social responsibility can drive such incredible results.” - Emily Chen