Financial Lifelines & a Tale of Two Political Economies: Exploring Racial and Class Consequences During Pandemic Times
A notable feature of the federal government’s policy response to the COVID-19 pandemic was the use of unconditional cash transfers to address severe and widespread financial hardship. However, the lack of administrative infrastructure to distribute stimulus payments resulted in delays or failed delivery of federal cash transfers that disproportionately impacted resource-poor people, strengthening the fringe economy. Political scientist Patricia Posey will examine how unprecedented government support and a thriving fringe economy shaped political attitudes about government across race/ethnic and class groups.