Juliet Hooker, a Professor of Political Science and Board member of the CCARC, highlights how the global COVID-19 pandemic has intersected with long-standing systemic crises, including racism, patriarchy, authoritarianism, and climate change.

The Pandemic’s Disproportionate Impact

• The pandemic has exacerbated existing social inequalities, refuting the notion that society is “all in this together”.
• Afro-descendants, Latinos, and indigenous peoples suffer higher rates of infection, hospitalization, and death compared to non-Hispanic whites.
• “Essential” workers—who face the highest infection risks—are predominantly women and women of color.
• The experience of Teresa Ruvalcaba, who delayed cancer treatment due to fears of unemployment, illustrates how the pandemic forced vulnerable individuals to sacrifice personal health for economic survival.