COVID-19 in the UK: The Exacerbation of inequality and a digitally-based response

Massimo Ragnedda, Maria Laura Ruiu

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Abstract

The consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak—in social, economic, psychological and health terms—are still unclear, since the effects of the containment measures could last for years. However, something seems to be quite clear: vulnerable people and vulnerable communities are those who suffer the most from this outbreak. This is not surprising, since both social and medical studies have repeatedly shown an interaction between social environment and health status.

In this essay, we specifically focus on the UK (even though similar arguments could be applied to other countries in the Global North) where some social groups are suffering more than others from the outbreak. Black, Asian or minority ethnic background (BAME communities) and elderly and marginalized citizens are affected the most by the pandemic. The COVID-19 crisis has, indeed, triggered inequality by exposing more vulnerable groups to higher risks of experiencing the most severe symptoms of the disease.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCOVID-19 from the Margins
Subtitle of host publicationPandemic Invisibilities, Policies and Resistance in the Datafied Society
EditorsStefania Milan, Emiliano Treré, Silvia Masiero
Place of PublicationAmsterdam, Netherlands
PublisherInstitute of Network Cultures
Chapter15
Pages106-109
Number of pages4
ISBN (Electronic)9789492302731
ISBN (Print)9789492302724
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2021

Publication series

NameTheory on Demand
PublisherInstitute of Network Cultures
Number40

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