Post-COVID-19 poverty in France: magnitude, manifestations and actors from nine case studies

Abstract

PurposeDrawing on the French case, this article examines the size and scope of poverty resulting from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the diversity of poverty's manifestations and the role of public action (among other actors) in addressing the poverty. This reflection unfolds at the confluence between the international literature on the economic effects of COVID-19 around the world and the methodological and conceptual issues on poverty.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a research report to the French Government in 2021, a new academic collaboration is initiated to assess the conceptual issues underlying the report's nine quantitative, qualitative and participatory studies. A thematic analysis is used to elaborate on an original framework.FindingsCOVID-19 not only had detrimental economic effects on specific groups, such as precarious workers and students, but also serious effects on social isolation, mental health, access to welfare and public services. Together with assessing the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on poverty in France, this paper highlights the lack of recognition of community support in the face of hard times.Originality/valueThe COVID-19 outbreak has not only deteriorated socioeconomic situations in France, but has also unmasked structural, long-term components of poverty. The paper discusses three policy implications of these revelations, concerning (1) the monitoring of non-monetary dimensions of poverty, (2) the needs of various groups under a welfare state with a dual structure and (3) the role of communities in public policy schemes.

Returning empty-handed or going somewhere? Tales from social division networks of re-migrants in the polarized post-COVID-19 era: A phenomenological study

“…This study indicates that social divisions are related to group connection, group empowerment, transnational mobility, social functions, religious links, and transcultural engagement. Similarly, Bouchet and Duvoux (2022), Ho and Maddrell (2021), Hermansson et al (2022), andRezaei et al (2023) found that group rationales, memberships, positions, and status enable networks to reinforce re-migration. Through connecting these results, a broadening of group resources, re-migration processes, social involvement, and sharing benefits can help to form network capital in the polarized post-COVID-19 era (Cámbara, 2022;Chan and Lan, 2022;Chiozza and King, 2022;Doering-White et al, 2022;Ho and Maddrell, 2021;Radil et al, 2021;Suhardiman et al, 2021).…”

“…Bouchet and Duvoux (2022) and Maviza and Nzima (2022) noted that network capital forms a sense of trusted, functional, and supplied networks. In cross-border studies, most network capital research focuses on individuals (egocentric), relationships (work ties), and linkages (network members) to map migration (Chan and Lan, 2022; Ikotun et al, 2021; Radil et al, 2021).…”

“…Recently, Bilecen and Lubbers (2021) identified three broad phases of migration: the pre-migration phase (decisionmaking and preparing for migration), migration phase (border-crossings and transition), and post-migration phase (adjusting to the new society). Bouchet and Duvoux (2022) and Maviza and Nzima (2022) noted that network capital forms a sense of trusted, functional, and supplied networks. In cross-border studies, most network capital research focuses on individuals (egocentric), relationships (work ties), and linkages (network members) to map migration (Chan and Lan, 2022;Ikotun et al, 2021;Radil et al, 2021).…”

“…The reopening of borders has become polarized post-COVID-19; this has dramatically increased the influx of irregular re-migrants from poor to rich countries (Suhardiman et al, 2021). Recent studies have classified three types of irregular re-migrants: those without a work permit, with non-contract employment, and cabinet resolution (Bouchet and Duvoux, 2022; Daovisan et al, 2022). Intarapanya et al (2022) identified types of re-migrants (newly registered, awaiting a permit extension due to COVID-19 impacts, and nationality verification to regularize status) among Thailand’s neighboring countries, including Myanmar, Lao PDR, and Cambodia.…”

Social and Spatial Inequalities during COVID-19: Evidence from France and the Need for a New Sustainable Urban and Regional Development Paradigm

“…These results are compatible with the study by Bouchet and Duvoux in which they emphasize the insufficient acknowledgement of community support during difficult times. Furthermore, the COVID-19 outbreak has not only worsened socio-economic conditions in France, but it has also revealed structural, long-term aspects of poverty [90].…”