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Optimizing Social Assistance Strategies in Response to the COVID-19 Crisis

Author

Listed:
  • Arian Daneshmanda

    (Faculty of Economics, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran)

  • Ali Mazyaki

    (Faculty of Economics, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran)

  • Mohammad Reza Farzanegan

    (School of Business and Economics, Philipps-Universität Marburg)

  • Mohammad Javad Gheidari

    (Faculty of Economics, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted significant challenges in designing social assistance strategies for crisis management. This study investigates optimal approaches using theoretical modeling and multinomial logit analysis of data from 47 countries during the pre-vaccination phase of 2020. The findings underscore the importance of combining conditional (targeted) and unconditional (universal) social assistance measures, with unconditional assistance prioritized in severe crises due to its rapid implementation and broad reach. By addressing the complexities of resource allocation and policy implementation under crisis conditions, this study provides actionable insights for public policy design, emphasizing the need for robust budgetary systems to sustain multifaceted strategies, mitigate immediate impacts, and build resilience against future disruptions.

Suggested Citation

  • Arian Daneshmanda & Ali Mazyaki & Mohammad Reza Farzanegan & Mohammad Javad Gheidari, 2024. "Optimizing Social Assistance Strategies in Response to the COVID-19 Crisis," MAGKS Papers on Economics 202422, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Faculty of Business Administration and Economics, Department of Economics (Volkswirtschaftliche Abteilung).
    • Handle: RePEc:mar:magkse:202422
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    COVID-19; disaster mitigation; social assistance strategies; conditional vs. unconditional support.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C54 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Quantitative Policy Modeling
    • H12 - Public Economics - - Structure and Scope of Government - - - Crisis Management
    • H53 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Welfare Programs
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being

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