The Intelligence from The Economist Lessons unplanned: school shutdowns spread
Mar 20, 2020
Amy Hawkins, an international affairs writer for The Economist, discusses the profound impact of school closures during the pandemic, noting the educational and social costs faced by nearly a billion children. She highlights the challenges of remote learning, especially for vulnerable students. Meanwhile, Anne Rowe, obituaries editor, shares the remarkable life of Matvei Natanson, a backgammon champion who overcame homelessness. Their conversation draws fascinating parallels between the strategies of backgammon and life’s unpredictable journey.
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Widespread School Closures
- School closures due to COVID-19 are widespread, affecting almost a billion children.
- Closures are primarily driven by fear of children spreading the virus, even though their role as vectors is unclear.
Social Costs of Closures
- Closing schools carries significant social costs, particularly for poorer children.
- Many rely on schools for meals, safety, and shelter, highlighting the social role schools play.
Economic Impacts and Gender Disparities
- School closures create economic burdens, as parents must take time off work for childcare.
- This can lead to job and income loss, especially impacting mothers due to gendered childcare expectations.