Inequality Between Social Classes During a Global Pandemic

By: Vidhura Malkowsky

While the Corona virus is taking over the globe, world leaders are trying to fight the spread through lock downs and arguably harsh regulations, resulting in much of the world's population suffering through isolation and unemployment. Is this a social reset which will erase many social gaps and puts us all in the same position or will it exacerbate already existent inequalities?

Many are fond of saying that “We are all in the same boat”; misery loves company. But we aren’t all in the same boat. Many are social distancing and self-quarantining in large homes with what or whom to occupy themselves. The luxury of more space, more resources and access to a wider range of tools to prevent boredom and depression. Thus, while a high net-worth family is able to buy access to entertainment resources, others might not be able to spend any money on non-essential resources. These people may also have too many people crammed into too small a home, and many are suffering from isolation that could lead to depression, mental health issues and even suicide.

The quarantine hits some sectors of society harder than others. Many high-income earners work in the high tech, economic and financial industries and are able to continue their work from home during the pandemic. In contrast, many low income families have to bear the additional injustice of the stress of facing the virus daily, working in factories, retail or the service industry, if they are still employed: due to safety regulations, many of these businesses are closed, and the employees have no choice other than to live off small amounts of unemployment benefits.

In some cases, people depend on donations, which can be humiliating, a setback for in normal circumstances healthy and hardworking people.

It seems that economic inequality is becoming greater, leaving some families with nothing, wiping away years of effort building up businesses and savings. Some other “lucky”’ people might still be able to work in essential industries. While many are suddenly celebrated as the new heroes, and are fortunate enough to receive a steady income, they are, again, more exposed to other people during which contact to other humans might end up fatal. And when this is all over, they will likely go back to being unsung heroes.

While fighting the spread of the virus, our governments must come up with quick solutions to help those in need, give them a chance not to get lost in the cycle of poverty and return to the after pandemic life with opportunities rather than with loans they will struggle to pay back.