The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the market for childcare
Journal of Entrepreneurship and Public Policy
ISSN: 2045-2101
Article publication date: 19 July 2022
Issue publication date: 25 October 2022
Abstract
Purpose
This paper assesses the short-term consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the market for childcare and speculates about potential long-term consequences of pandemic-related policy intervention.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses basic statistics and data to describe changes in the market for childcare.
Findings
Policy responses to the pandemic likely aggravated pre-existing trends in the market for childcare, drove up the cost of production at a time when demand was collapsed because of the pandemic, and ultimately resulted in systematic closures of childcare centers. These closures will be difficult to reverse due to the high cost of entry into the industry and overall low profitability.
Research limitations/implications
The study is just a preliminary investigation in its current form that points to future areas of research.
Originality/value
This paper summarizes the results of existing studies and draws some basic conclusions about the effects of policy intervention.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author acknowledges research support from Stand Together as well as research assistance from Nick McFaden.
Citation
Thomas, D.W. (2022), "The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the market for childcare", Journal of Entrepreneurship and Public Policy, Vol. 11 No. 2/3, pp. 210-222. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEPP-03-2022-0046
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited