FROM LOCKDOWN TO BREAKDOWN: INVESTIGATING THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 LOCKDOWNS ON THE FAMILIAL RELATIONSHIPS OF LOW-INCOME INDIVIDUALS IN SINGAPORE.

Abstract

COVID-19 lockdowns have disproportionately impacted low-income individuals, who experience greater losses in jobs, wages, and working hours. This paper examines the effects of lockdowns on the familial relationships of low-income individuals. I analyse high-frequency weekly panel data from the In-Work Poverty Study by the NUS Social Service Research Centre using a fixed-effects methodology. I find that in the sample of low-income individuals surveyed, lockdowns decreased the likelihood of helping family members, talking to family members, having family quality time and having family meals. The probability of arguing with family members also fell, likely due to decreased familial interactions. The heterogeneity analysis reveals that the adverse impacts are more pronounced for job-secure individuals, middle-skilled workers, and those living in the densest housing. These findings suggest that overwork, work-family conflicts and space constraints may be the dominant mechanisms involved. Ultimately, lockdowns create not just financial but also relational challenges for low-income individuals.