The socioeconomic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic are not simply a translation of a natural danger affecting everyone, but rather the result of a set of socially constructed and amplified risks. Even when they have natural origins, risks manifest themselves asymmetrically in the social, economic, and political spheres. This book addresses, from a multidimensional perspective and considering different scales of analysis, the social, economic, and institutional vulnerabilities of Portuguese society in the face of the pandemic crisis and its socioeconomic consequences. The analysis of vulnerabilities unfolds in three fundamental dimensions (susceptibilities, exposures, and coverages), focusing on the national, sectoral, and socio-labor spheres. Beyond diagnosing the structural vulnerabilities affecting Portuguese society and placing it in a particularly fragile situation in the current context, this book promotes critical reflection on the emergency policies adopted and points to public policy paths that can contribute to strengthening the economic fabric, improving the quality of employment, and reducing inequalities.
Keywords: COVID-19, socioeconomic vulnerabilities, emergency policy measures.
Authors: José Castro Caldas, Ana Alves da Silva, Frederico Cantante.
