Vulnerability and social response to the covid-19 pandemic in metropolitan territories of são paulo and baixada santista, state of são paulo, Brazil

Abstract

This paper analyzes vulnerability and the tackling of the Covid-19 pandemic in 16 metropolitan territories of São Paulo and Baixada Santista (State of São Paulo, Brazil), objects of a participatory research developed in 2020 through a multiple-case study, in light of the theoretical framework of vulnerability and human rights. Socioeconomic conditions are different between territories. Vulnerability to coronavirus infection and disease is related to individual, social and programmatic factors: information, perceptions and possibilities of protection; family/interpersonal coexistence, housing, work and violence; and access to healthcare and social programs. Solidarity networks, formed mainly by community associations and social movements, focus on overcoming hunger, generating income and accessing rights. For the social response, it is essential to recognize specific needs, powerful experiences and the centrality of the joint walk of individuals and collectives in each territory.