The Pandemic of Poverty: Analysing the Economic Legacies of the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented disruption to South African livelihoods. However, this disruption was unequally felt. During the height of the pandemic lockdown, most could not work, while many lost their employment. In a labour force that was already characterised by a myriad of poorly paid and precarious work, this disruption exacerbated poverty in the country. This study explores the economic impacts of the pandemic using quantitative data. It examines pandemic-related intertemporal relative deprivation (IRD); that is the feeling of deprivation that arises when individuals compare their current situation with their past circumstances. The study examines IRD during the heart of the pandemic (i.e. between early 2020 and late 2021). Data from the South African Social Attitudes Survey (N = 2996) was used for this study. Data analysis shows that levels of IRD are unevenly felt across South Africa. The analysis finds that IRD was negatively correlated with support for the political system in the country. Experiencing IRD bred distrust in the African National Congress, reduced satisfaction with political leaders, and increased democratic discontent. The article investigates the main drivers of pandemic-related IRD. Study analysis showed that IRD was associated with coronavirus exposure as well as micro-level inequality.