A social perspective on COVID-19: How the pandemic impacts experienced socioeconomic insecurity among people of migrant background in the Dutch Randstad

Based on multiple linear regression analyses of the Impact Corona dataset compiled by Kieskompas, in the Netherlands, the moderating effect of social capital on migrant background-related socioeconomic insecurity due to COVID-19 is measured. The context in which this occurs is explored, investigating the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Randstad metropole area in the Netherlands, consisting of the cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague. This study shows that migrant background increases experienced socioeconomic insecurity, and that differences can be found among the different groups. Social capital is capable of decreasing the experienced socioeconomic insecurity generally. Analysis of its moderating effect indicates that its protective qualities differ across migrant groups. For some, the social capital held within their group alleviates their experienced socioeconomic insecurity, and for others it does not.