## What Determines Social Distancing? Evidence from Advanced and Emerging Market Economies

_IMF Working Papers, May 1, 2021_

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**Canonical URL:** [What Determines Social Distancing? Evidence from Advanced and Emerging Market Economies](https://www.imf.org/en/publications/wp/issues/2021/05/01/what-determines-social-distancing-evidence-from-advanced-and-emerging-market-economies-50281)

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## Bibliographic details
- Authors: Era Dabla-Norris, Hibah Khan, Frederico Lima
- Published: May 1, 2021
- Series: IMF Working Papers
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.5089/9781513582382.001

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### Summary
- Examines determinants of individual compliance with recommended protective behaviors using survey data from the COVID Behavior Tracker for 29 advanced and emerging market economies between March and December 2020.
- Social distancing behaviors vary significantly by age, gender, occupation, and individual beliefs about COVID-19.
- Those who trust their government’s response to COVID-19 are significantly more likely to adopt recommended behaviors and to self-isolate if advised.
- Mobility restrictions, such as stay-at-home orders, and mask mandates are associated with reduced social interactions and persistent increases in compliance.
- Together, these drivers account for over two-thirds of the regional differences in compliance.

### Key Findings
- Determinants of compliance:
  - Age, gender, and occupation are significant predictors of social distancing behaviors.
  - Individual beliefs about COVID-19 are closely linked to protective behavior adoption.
  - Trust in government response increases likelihood of adopting recommended behaviors and self-isolating if advised.
- Policy interventions:
  - Mobility restrictions (e.g., stay-at-home orders) are associated with reduced social interactions.
  - Mask mandates are associated with reduced social interactions and persistent increases in compliance.
- Quantified impact:
  - The identified drivers (demographics, beliefs, trust, and policy measures) explain over two-thirds of the regional differences in compliance.

### Methodology (concise)
- Data source: COVID Behavior Tracker survey data.
- Coverage: 29 advanced and emerging market economies.
- Period: between March and December 2020.

### Policy Implications
- Strengthening public trust in government responses can increase adoption of recommended protective behaviors and self-isolation compliance.
- Well-coordinated health and economic actions are important given the link between trust and compliance.
- Implementing mobility restrictions and mask mandates can reduce social interactions and raise persistent compliance.

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## Content in this bundle

- **Working Paper**
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_Source: https://www.imf.org/en/publications/wp/issues/2021/05/01/what-determines-social-distancing-evidence-from-advanced-and-emerging-market-economies-50281_