Children, intersectionality, and COVID-19

Socioeconomic conditions and children's mental health and quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic: An intersectional analysis

“…Recent studies have further shown that other socioeconomic dimensions, such as food insecurity, unemployment, migration and belonging to racial/ethnic minority groups, were independently associated with disparities in child mental health and quality of life ( Barbieri et al, 2022 ; Ravens-Sieberer et al, 2022 ; Xiao et al, 2022 ). However, existing research has largely overlooked the intricate complexities that arise from the intersections of multiple sociodemographic dimensions ( Dineen et al, 2022 ; Reiss, 2013 ).…”

“…While the COVID-19 pandemic began as a health crisis, it quickly evolved into a full-blown economic and social crisis, the effects of which will probably cast a long shadow into the future. Children and adolescents faced massive disruptions to their daily lives and routines, prolonged periods of uncertainty, school closures and physical distancing measures ( Dineen et al, 2022 ; Ravens-Sieberer et al, 2022 ). Coping with this unprecedented situation and complying with heavy restrictions can be particularly challenging, especially for adolescents who are in need of social interactions beyond the family ( Ravens-Sieberer et al, 2022 ).…”

“…However, most studies have examined the independent impacts of unidimensional socioeconomic and demographic categorizations on youth outcomes ( Patil et al, 2018 ). As a result, the interplay of social, economic, and demographic characteristics which shape their daily experiences and needs is not well understood ( Dineen et al, 2022 ). Using an intersectional framework ( Crenshaw, 1989 ) can lead to more accurate identification of subgroups at greater risk of developing adverse outcomes, while also informing effective and targeted prevention and treatment strategies ( Jackson et al, 2016 ; Patil et al, 2018 ).…”