Covid-19, child poverty, Catholic schools and the insights of Gustavo Gutiérrez

McKinney, S. J. (2021) Covid-19, child poverty, Catholic schools and the insights of Gustavo Gutiérrez. In: Whittle, S. (ed.) Irish and British Reflections on Catholic Education: Foundations, Identity, Leadership Issues and Religious Education in Catholic Schools. Springer: Singapore, pp. 29-40. ISBN 9789811591877 (doi: 10.1007/978-981-15-9188-4_3)

Abstract

The quick spread of Covid-19 and the consequent lockdowns in different parts of the world have exacerbated the effects of poverty and child poverty. This chapter will argue that the levels of poverty and child poverty in the United Kingdom were alarmingly high before Covid-19 and that they have risen further as a result of the pandemic. The increase in poverty has impacted on the effectiveness of homeschooling for disadvantaged families due to a lack of resources and there has been a greater uptake at foodbanks. Catholic communities and Catholic schools have responded to this crisis situation and there are examples of enhanced support for vulnerable families. This current situation could be understood as an ‘irruption of the poor’ in the United Kingdom and the chapter draws on the theology of Gustavo Gutiérrez to arrive at a Christian perspective and response to the situation.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: McKinney, Professor Stephen
• Authors: McKinney, S. J.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Education > Creativity Culture and Faith; College of Social Sciences > School of Education > Pedagogy, Praxis & Faith
• Publisher: Springer
• ISBN: 9789811591877
• Published Online: 21 February 2021