Long run consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on social inequality

The COVID-19 pandemic is seriously affecting social inequality, the long-run distribution of resources, and equality of opportunity on several dimensions. Here, we focus on one important channel of these long run effects, namely the intergenerational transmission of inequality. This article briefly summarizes the existing evidence about how parental resources influence the achievements of their children, in order to evaluate on which dimensions the pandemic magnifies existing inequalities. Primarily, the interplay of education, income, and health will eventually define the impact of COVID-19 on future generations. Presently and in the near future, suitable strategies will have to be enacted to control the outbreak and save lives, while preventing a social crisis in the long run by safeguarding the interests of vulnerable families.

Neidhöfer, Guido (2020), Long run consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on social inequality, in: New York,