Poverty study in Tyrol: How the Corona crisis affects groups that are disadvantaged

Poverty study in Tyrol: How the Corona crisis affects groups that are disadvantaged

The crises around the globe also leave their traces in Austria, as the new study by researchers from the University of Innsbruck shows. The report illuminates the "poverty in the crisis" and deals with the dramatic effects of covid pandemic on the realities of people in Tyrol. Economic conditions in particular have deteriorated, which led to an increase in poverty. Over 1.3 million people in Austria are affected, and the increase in living costs illuminates the pressing challenges that many families have to manage, as the district sheet Stubai-Wipptal stipulates in its report on the current developments of SC Gries.

study results and direct need for action

The study carried out as part of the Tyrolean poverty research forum identifies particularly endangered groups such as people with educational deficits and single parents. According to the researchers, the pandemic acts like a "burning glass" that reinforces existing problems. This is particularly evident in the social circumstances of those affected, which are severely restricted in their participation. "By interviews with families affected by poverty, serious exclusion experiences were documented, which primarily affect children and women," explains study director Andreas Exenberger.

At the same time, the Billa donation campaign "a donation that fills up" to specifically fight poverty. The funds flow into the provision of food and hygiene products for very affected families. This impressively shows how quick help has to be provided in need in order to satisfy the acute needs of the people strongly shaped by the outbreak of pandemic, reports the Stubai-Wipptal district sheet. Gabriele Fischer, the social councilor, emphasizes that the topic of poverty should not be pushed into the background and states: "Social policy means to improve and secure the life of the data subjects."

These approaches are necessary to react quickly to the increasing poverty situation and to ensure broader support for all those affected, not only in Tyrol, but across the country.