COVID-19, crisis responses, and public policies: from the persistence of inequalities to the importance of policy design

Abstract The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has once again highlighted the importance of social inequalities during major crises, a reality that clear implications for public policy. In this introductory article to thematic issue Policy and Society on COVID-19, inequalities, policies, we provide an overview nexus between crisis inequality before exploring its study policy stability change, with particular focus design. Here, stress persistence crises how COVID-19 need these when time comes design policies in response such crises. Paying close attention is essential of, fight against, times crisis. Both beyond should emphasize tackling inequalities. This case because current choices shape future patterns inequality.