Why the Corona Pandemic Has Especially Burdened Families

The Covid-19 pandemic affected families to varying degrees, particularly lower-income households. Family sociologist Ulrike Zartler from the University of Vienna emphasizes that while the crisis promoted solidarity, it also exacerbated existing social inequalities.

Lack of Stability and Invisible Strains Due to Lockdowns

Parents faced the challenge of constantly adapting to new guidelines. "This was often not easy for parents, and their burdens had long-lasting effects," Zartler explains to the APA. Children and adolescents, in particular, suffered from the psychological and social impacts of the lockdowns – many are still struggling with the consequences today. Although digital skills were expanded, the pandemic also highlighted the structural disadvantage of many families.

Another issue: The enormous importance of unpaid work, especially by women, became evident during the crisis, yet sustainable changes were lacking.

Calls for Better Support

Zartler calls for greater attention to the needs of families, children, and adolescents in future crises. Low-threshold psychosocial support services, fairer educational opportunities, and an expansion of school social work are necessary. Particularly low-income families need targeted support.

While science quickly provided data on the pandemic, a deeper analysis of the societal consequences is lacking. Targeted measures to cope with pandemic experiences would be particularly useful in schools and childcare facilities – but there is a lack of resources for this.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.