The Socioeconomic Effects of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on Jordanian Households

Abstract

This article examines the attitudes of Jordanian households towards the COVID-19 crisis with special attention given to the actual and anticipated effects of the pandemic on livelihoods at the following levels: household income, financial coping mechanisms, financial capabilities to withstand periods of curfew implementation, access to electronic assets/internet, rise in food prices during curfew, access to health, potable water, ability to meet essential needs, social security enrollment statues, additional livelihood streams, variations in income pre- and post-curfew, changes in employment/income status, disabilities within households, number of household members, educational attainment levels, demographics including nationality, place of residence, relationship status, age and sex. This article thus provides concrete data in a manner that can be useful for government and development institutions in responding to the needs of Jordanian households in both the short and long terms. Main findings include increased unemployment rates which have an exacerbating effect on already dire economic situations. This is particularly the case among large families, some of which consist of live-in extended family members who are persons with disabilities and in need of regular medical attention normally available in non-pandemic conditions. Findings also illustrate an increased fear of forced eviction (a clear protection concern) among survey participants, in addition to a lack of access to essential items. These concerns, moreover, are accompanied by narrowing access to basic rights such as health and education. Thus, a key recommendation for further research is analysis of health sector adaptability and educational retention rates among Jordanian students in light of a potentially extensive pandemic situation.