Constructing personal networks in the light of COVID-19 containment measures

Abstract

The policies for containing the spread of SARS-CoV2 virus include a number of measures aimed at reducing physical contacts. In this paper, we explore the potential impact of such containment measures on social relations of both young adults and elderly in Italy. We propose two ego-centered network definitions accounting for physical distances in light of the recent - and maybe future - COVID-19 containment measures: 1) the easy-to-reach network, that represent a nearby possible source of support in case of new lockdown; 2) accustomed-to-reach network, which include proximity and habit to meet in person. The approach used for constructing personal (ego-centered) networks on data from the most recent release of Families and Social Subject Survey allows to bring in the foreground people exposed to relational vulnerability. The analysis of the most vulnerable No alters individuals by age, gender and place of residence reveal that to be single is often associated with a condition of relational vulnerability not only among elder people, but also for young adults. Results also highlight the role of the place of residence.

Population dynamics and demography of Covid-19. Introduction

“…In relation to this, the contribution by Furfaro et al ( 2021 ) focused on the conditions which may increase the adaptive capacity of individuals or, conversely, amplify the negative impact they have suffered because of the social distancing measures. Their work focused on Italy, the second country worldwide after China in facing—from a chronologic standpoint—the arrival of the pandemic tsunami, and considered two target populations: young adults living alone or in a couple (with or without children) and elderly persons (without cohabiting children); both, younger and older persons, living with no other family or non-family members.…”

“…One contribution has been more generally dealing with the conditions favouring or hindering social resilience against the multiple risk factors, both direct and indirect, emerged during the pandemic, such as the disruption of social and economic activities and relationship. These were identified in typically social structures, namely the “protection social networks” analysed by Furfaro et al ( 2021 ). Finally, the remaining two manuscripts have investigated the impact of the first phases of the pandemic (and related control measures) on life histories, namely on the transition to adulthood (analysed by Luppi et al, 2021 ) and on mental and psychological health of university students (Busetta et al, 2021 ).…”