China Grapples with Widening Gender Gap Post-Pandemic

As the world continues to navigate the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic, China faces a concerning trend: the widening of the gender gap in its workforce. A recent study conducted by researchers from Peking University sheds light on the exacerbation of this gap during the pandemic and its persistent growth in the post-pandemic era.

The She-Cession Phenomenon: The disparity between men and women in China’s labor market has more than doubled in terms of hours worked, while the pay gap has widened by nearly 30% compared to pre-pandemic levels. This phenomenon, dubbed the “she-cession,” highlights the disproportionate impact of the economic slowdown on female workers.

Economic Impact on Working Mothers: The study reveals that working mothers, particularly those with young children, have borne the brunt of the pandemic’s economic repercussions. Compared to their male counterparts and working fathers with young children, mothers faced significantly higher unemployment risks, spent less time at work, and earned considerably lower wages.

Root Causes and Implications: The widening gender gap can be attributed to shifts in household responsibilities during emergencies, with working mothers shouldering a heavier burden. This not only affects their employment prospects but also contributes to greater psychological stress. Furthermore, the pandemic’s impact on sectors traditionally dominated by women, such as retail and hospitality, has exacerbated the problem.

Policy Recommendations: To mitigate the widening gender gap and prevent further exacerbation, policymakers must prioritize providing safe and accessible childcare options. By easing the burden of household responsibilities on working mothers, such measures can help retain women in the labor force and promote gender equality in the workplace.

Looking Ahead: China’s struggle with the gender gap underscores the need for concerted efforts to address systemic inequalities. As the nation grapples with economic recovery and structural challenges, bridging the gender divide in the workforce must be a central focus. Only through proactive policies and interventions can China build a more inclusive and resilient post-pandemic economy.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The scmp