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Fakultät Sozialwissenschaften

New Publication: Inequalities in caregiving strain during the COVID-19 pandemic: conceptual framework and review of the empirical evidence

Icon einer angedeuteten Weltkugel © Karolin Kriesch​/​TU Dortmund

In the new article, Alina Schmitz, Nekehia T. Quashie, Melanie Wagner and Judith Kaschowitz propose a conceptual framework of (unequal) caring strain during the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic poses specific risks to vulnerable population groups. Informal carers for older adults are especially at risk of increased strain, as support from social networks and professional care services is no longer available or in short supply. Already before the pandemic, caring was unequally distributed within societies, with women and people in lower socio-economic status groups bearing a higher risk of caring strain. They summarize the state of empirical research, suggest questions for future studies and outline implications for social policy.

Available here (Open Access)