Epidemic influenced segregation

Date and country of first publication^[1]

2022
Spain

Definition

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on various aspects of society, including segregation. Here are a few ways in which the epidemic has influenced segregation:

1. Health disparities: The pandemic has highlighted existing health disparities, particularly among marginalized communities. People in lower-income areas and certain ethnic minority groups have been disproportionately affected by the virus due to factors like limited access to healthcare, higher rates of chronic illnesses, and living in crowded conditions. This has further accentuated existing healthcare disparities, leading to a form of segregation based on socio-economic status and race.

2. School closures: The closure of schools during the pandemic has disproportionately affected students from low-income households who may not have access to adequate technology or internet connectivity for remote learning. This has widened the education gap between different socio-economic groups, leading to increased educational segregation.

3. Remote work: The shift to remote work has allowed certain professions to continue virtually, while others, mainly those in service industries, have been heavily impacted. This division has created a kind of segregation between workers who can work from home and those who cannot, exacerbating existing inequalities.

4. Social distancing measures: Public health measures such as social distancing have inadvertently resulted in physical segregation. People have been advised to stay at home, avoid crowded places, and maintain distance from others, leading to the isolation or separation of individuals and communities. This has particularly affected vulnerable populations, such as the elderly in care homes or individuals with disabilities who rely on social interaction and support.

5. Travel restrictions: Travel restrictions implemented during the pandemic have limited mobility and created barriers between different regions and countries. This has contributed to the segregation of populations, both domestically and internationally, impacting tourism, cross-cultural interactions, and economic integration.

While the epidemic has influenced segregation, it is important to note that its impacts are complex and multifaceted. Societal responses to the pandemic can either exacerbate or mitigate these segregating effects, highlighting the need for equitable strategies and policies in addressing the crisis.

References

Notes

↑ Date and country of first publication as informed by the Scopus database (December 2023).

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