COVID-19 has set back socio-economic gains, survey shows
Posted October 12, 2021 7:16 am.
Last Updated October 12, 2021 7:36 am.
CALGARY – People all over the globe have been affected by the pandemic and a new study shows that in Alberta, nine in 10 people feel the pandemic’s longevity has set back socio-economic progress.
The survey done by Bromwich + Smith through Angus Reid finds low-income earners have felt the greatest economic impact since March 2020 and they are also the most likely to be stigmatized.
“When you’re dealing with debt you feel like everybody else has it all together and you know don’t what did you do wrong,” said Taz Rajan, community engagement partner with Bromwich + Smith.
“All of these, already vulnerable groups have been pushed back socio-economically, because of the pandemic.”
RELATED: New report highlights how poverty exists in each one of Calgary’s 14 wards
Rajan adds historically, there’s been a lot of social shame and stigma attached to financial issues, but as the pandemic goes on, it seems as if Canadians are shifting their mindset and becoming more empathetic.
“Something that to me signifies some hope in Canada is that 82 per cent are feeling less judgemental about people who struggle with their money and 36 per cent of Albertans are willing to talk to a debt professional about that debt,” said Rajan.
Laura Cavanagh, a psychology and behavioural sciences professor, says the longevity of the pandemic and the financial hardships that come from it cause chronic stress.
And chronic stress can lead to a vicious cycle for those experiencing poverty.
RELATED: International conflicts compounding impacts of COVID-19 on mental health: psychologists
“The experience of poverty also creates less of a buffer between the negative consequences of mental health issues,” explained Cavanagh.
“So, if someone is wealthy and depressed or if someone is wealthy and struggles with substance use disorder there’s more of a buffer between them and the negative consequences. For example, they may have more sick days, they may have more access to resources.”
Rajan hopes this survey can help destigmatize financial hardships and that more Canadians show empathy towards people with challenging pandemic experiences.
