Pandemics, Poverty, and Social Cohesion: Lessons from the Past and Possible Solutions for COVID-19

Remi Jedwab, Amjad Khan, Richard Damania, Jason Russ and Esha Zaveri
Additional contact information
Richard Damania: The World Bank
Jason Russ: The World Bank
Esha Zaveri: The World Bank

Working Papers from The George Washington University, Institute for International Economic Policy

Abstract: Since COVID-19 broke out, there has been renewed interest in understanding the economic and social dynamics of historical and more recent pandemics and epidemics, from the plagues of Antiquity to modern-day outbreaks like Ebola. These events can have significant impacts on the interplay between poverty and social cohesion, i.e. how different groups in society interact and cooperate to survive and prosper. To that effect, this survey paper provides an overview of how social responses to past pandemics and epidemics were determined by the epidemiological and non-epidemiological characteristics of these outbreaks, with a particular focus on the scapegoating and persecution of minority groups, including migrants. More precisely, we discuss existing theories as well as historical and quantitative studies, and highlight the cases and contexts where pandemics may lead to milder or more severe forms of scapegoating. Finally, we conclude with a summary of priorities for future research on pandemics and social cohesion and discuss the possible effects and policy implications of COVID-19.

Keywords: COVID-19; Pandemics; Epidemics; Disasters; Social Cohesion; Stigmatization; Minority Persecution; Conflict; Poverty; Migration; Social Capital; Trust (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I15 I19 J61 J71 O15 O18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 46 pages
Date: 2020
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-dem and nep-soc
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gwi:wpaper:2020-13

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