The social dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic: education, socio-economic position and solidarity

The major social effects of the COVID-19 pandemic will not be equally distributed across society and existing inequalities in society may be reinforced as a result. A research team from the UvA, EUR and VU will therefore map the consequences of the coronavirus on social inequalities. Specifically, the research team looks at the areas of work and income, education, social-psychological well-being, and mutual solidarity and trust. They will look for social dividing lines, identify vulnerable groups, and formulate policy strategies for strengthening the resilience of individuals, organizations and society. The findings are relevant to society and science. This project is in line with another ZonMw-funded project: Social Impact of Physical Distancing on Vulnerable Populations during COVID-19 in the Netherlands. Goal Mapping the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on social inequalities. Research design Use new data to map the consequences of the pandemic and existing data to identify vulnerable groups. First results Education Inequalities in education are reinforced Home schooling Loss of final test and adjustment of advice, lack of clarity of procedure Digital divide Policy implications Give students time and, if in doubt, give high advice Establish links between schools on both sides of the transition (primary/secondary) Commit to long-term recovery of backlogs Executive parties University of Amsterdam, Erasmus University Rotterdam and the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam More information