Paper short abstract:

This study examines the impact of COVID-19 on multidimensionally poor individuals in Minas Gerais, Brazil, using Sen's capabilities approach and the Alkire-Foster MPI. Fieldwork involved interviewing 1400 people, revealing significant declines in wellbeing across various dimensions due to the overlaps of historical and structural deprivations and the crisis context of the pandemic.

Paper long abstract:

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges globally, significantly affecting various aspects of life, especially for those living in poverty. This research, grounded in the capabilities approach theorized by Amartya Sen and utilizing the Alkire-Foster method to construct a Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), aims to deepen the understanding of how the pandemic has impacted the capabilities of the multidimensionally poor. The study focuses on a comprehensive array of dimensions, including education, employment, food security, access to social benefits, happiness and wellbeing, social isolation, health, safety, and experiences of discrimination.

The theoretical framework for this research is based on Sen's capabilities approach, which emphasizes what individuals are able to do and be, in contrast to solely economic or resource-based assessments of poverty. This approach aligns with the research agenda of the Missing Dimensions as proposed by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Institute. The study applies the Alkire-Foster method to construct an MPI, which serves as a critical analytical tool, offering a more nuanced understanding of poverty beyond mere income measures.

The field research was conducted in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, encompassing four small municipalities and their rural areas. This region was selected due to its diverse socioeconomic landscape and the varied impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic across different communities. The study period, 2021-2022, was a critical phase in the aftermath of the pandemic, providing a relevant context for examining the pandemic's long-term effects on multidimensional poverty.

A team of trained social workers conducted the fieldwork, employing a comprehensive questionnaire with over 50 questions covering 10 dimensions. A total of 1400 individuals, representing a diverse cross-section of the population in terms of age, gender, socioeconomic status, and geographical location, were interviewed. This approach ensured a rich and varied data set, reflecting the complex and multifaceted nature of poverty and capability deprivation in the context of the pandemic.

Preliminary findings indicate that individuals living in multidimensional poverty, as measured by both income and the MPI, experienced a substantial decline in wellbeing across multiple dimensions in the wake of the pandemic. This decline was not uniform across all dimensions, highlighting the need for a multidimensional approach to understanding poverty and its impacts. The study revealed that the pandemic exacerbated existing vulnerabilities, particularly in areas such as education, employment, and access to healthcare. Additionally, the research identified significant gaps in public assistance and social security programs, which were crucial in supporting the resilience of these communities during the crisis.

The significance of this research lies in its contribution to the understanding of the multidimensional impacts of global crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, on the capabilities and wellbeing of the poor. By shedding light on often overlooked dimensions of poverty, the study offers valuable insights for policymakers, social workers, and researchers, emphasizing the need for comprehensive and inclusive approaches to poverty alleviation and crisis management.

In conclusion, this research not only provides empirical evidence of the multidimensional impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the poor but also underscores the importance of considering a broad range of dimensions in assessing poverty and designing interventions. The findings from this study are expected to inform more effective and targeted policies and programs aimed at addressing the complex challenges faced by the poor in times of global crises.

Keywords: Capability Approach; Multidimensional Poverty; Missing Dimensions; Covid Pandemic; Crisis.