A Tale of Two Pandemics: Economic Inequality and Support for Containment Measures in Peru. Issue 3 (December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Carreras, Miguel; Vera, Sofia; Visconti, Giancarlo
• Is Part Of: Journal of politics in Latin America. Volume 13:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 358
• Page End: 375
• Publication Date: 2021-12
• Subjects: Peru -- inequality -- attitudes and behaviour -- COVID-19 -- Latin America; Perú -- desigualdad -- actitudes y comportamiento -- COVID-19 -- América Latina; Comparative government -- Periodicals; Latin America -- Politics and government -- 1980- -- Periodicals; Politics and government; Latin America; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 320.3098
• DOI: 10.1177/1866802X211035393
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1866-802X

Abstract

Research suggests that the coronavirus pandemic disproportionately affected poor communities. However, relatively little is known about how this differential impact affected support for, and compliance with, COVID-19 lockdown policies. This article examines the relationship between socioeconomic inequalities and public opinion towards COVID-19 containment measures in Peru. Despite the strict quarantine measures adopted by the government of Peru, the country struggled to contain the spread of the disease. We designed and implemented a nationally representative survey in Peru and found that economically vulnerable sectors are more likely to oppose the quarantine and are more likely to defy the stay-at-home recommendations to leave home and go to work. Our contribution highlights that poor citizens' housing and economic conditions can explain why the poor are more likely to react negatively to COVID-19 lockdown policies.