This essay summarizes, how the corona crisis has revealed inequality issues regarding homelessness, gender, and education. Furthermore, it is concerned with escapism during the corona crisis by means of art (visual arts, literature) including personal experiences.
In New York, April 2020, on a Friday evening, Connor treats himself to Chinese food delivered to his Manhattan apartment after a "hard" day of working from home, while most of his neighbors escape to their out-of-town weekend homes. At the same time, a bus driver named Jamal, who lives in the Bronx, is still working without any protective gear, exposing himself to the virus. Throughout his shift, he can't shake off thoughts of his brother in the hospital fighting against his Covid-19 infection.
From my perspective, this scenario highlights how the current coronavirus pandemic has exposed the longstanding divided societies in NYC based on class and race. However, New York isn't the only example of a city divided between "wealth and privilege" and "struggle and poverty." Moreover, the global health crisis has revealed inequality issues not only regarding homelessness but also in terms of gender and education.
Table of Contents
1. How social inequality has been exposed by the corona crisis
1.1 Homelessness
1.2 Gender
1.3 Education
2. Escapism – finding nourishment instead of identifying poison
Objectives and Topics
The paper examines the dual impact of the Covid-19 pandemic by analyzing how it has exacerbated existing social inequalities—specifically regarding homelessness, gender, and education—while simultaneously exploring how individuals utilize various forms of escapism as a psychological coping mechanism to navigate the challenges of the crisis.
- Exposing systemic social injustices revealed by the pandemic
- The vulnerability of marginalized groups, including the homeless and women
- Challenges within the education system, particularly the digital divide
- The role of nostalgia, media, and art as tools for emotional resilience
- Personal and societal reflection on life during the corona crisis
Excerpt from the Book
1. How social inequality has been exposed by the corona crisis
New York, April 2020: on a Friday evening, Connor treats himself to Chinese food he had delivered to his apartment in Manhattan after a “hard” day of working from home while most of his neighbors escaped to their out-of-town weekend homes. At the same time, a bus driver called Jamal, who lives in the Bronx, is still working – without any protective gear keeping him safe from the virus he could easily be infected with. During his shift, he can’t get his mind of his brother who is in the hospital fighting against his Covid-19 infection.
The way I see it, this scenario emphasizes how the current coronavirus pandemic has exposed the two divided societies corresponding to class and race that have always existed in NYC. But I’m sure that New York isn’t the only example for a city divided in “wealth and privilege” and “struggle and poverty”. In addition, the global health crisis has not only revealed inequality issues regarding homelessness, but also in terms of gender and education.
What lockdown meant for most of us was to “stay at home”, but what if you don’t have a home? While we were complaining about being confined to our four walls, homeless people were left without help and exposed to police fines for being outside which they obviously can’t pay (Boffey, 2020). Due to closed restaurants and pubs, a new group emerged: the so-called “hospitality homeless”: these are people who had already had insecure jobs and unstable living arrangements before and have been pushed into homelessness by the current pandemic. They couldn’t put any money aside in the past and thus could no longer afford to pay their rent when they were fired. Unprepared for this situation, they have a heavy sense of desperation. To curb the spread of the virus, day centers, food banks, and soup kitchens have been closed leaving the homeless with no toilets, no place to shower, to wash their clothes or to get food (Gentleman, 2020).
Summary of Chapters
1. How social inequality has been exposed by the corona crisis: This chapter analyzes how the pandemic has deepened socio-economic divides, focusing on the specific hardships faced by homeless populations, women, and students lacking digital access.
2. Escapism – finding nourishment instead of identifying poison: This chapter explores how individuals turn to nostalgia, entertainment, literature, and art as essential coping strategies to find comfort and maintain mental well-being during periods of social isolation.
Keywords
Covid-19, social inequality, homelessness, gender, education, digital divide, escapism, nostalgia, mental health, quarantine, social isolation, resilience, pandemic, socio-economic impact, art.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this academic paper?
The paper fundamentally addresses the dual reality of the pandemic: the exacerbation of existing social inequalities and the psychological necessity of escapism to cope with the resulting confinement.
Which specific social groups are analyzed in the context of inequality?
The author highlights the vulnerabilities of homeless individuals, women facing systemic socio-economic and domestic challenges, and students from low-income families impacted by the digital divide.
What is the primary objective of the research presented?
The objective is to illustrate that while the virus may be viewed as a "great equalizer," it actually amplifies pre-existing injustices, while also demonstrating how culture and media serve as vital lifelines for personal resilience.
What methodological approach does the author use?
The author employs a narrative and critical analysis approach, using hypothetical and real-world scenarios to illustrate theoretical points, supported by current journalism and societal observations.
What themes are covered in the main body of the text?
The main body covers homelessness, gender-based violence and socio-economic disparity, education accessibility during online learning, and the psychological role of nostalgia, literature, and art.
Which keywords best describe the scope of this work?
Key terms include social inequality, digital divide, mental health, escapism, nostalgia, and systemic injustice.
How does the author characterize the role of sitcoms like 'Friends' during the lockdown?
The author views these shows as a form of "therapy," providing a necessary balance between escapism and emotional realism that helps alleviate the fear associated with the global crisis.
How does the author justify the importance of art in times of emergency?
The author argues that while art cannot stop a virus, it provides clarity, a new way of thinking, and hope, ultimately functioning as a "safe haven" for interconnectedness and resistance.
Why is the "digital divide" highlighted as a critical issue for students?
The author notes that while wealthier families can guarantee stable internet and equipment, poorer students are left behind, which risks permanently damaging their future career prospects.
- Citar trabajo
- Laura Hins (Autor), 2021, How social inequality has been exposed by the corona crisis and escapism during the corona crisis, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/999277
