The impacts of COVID-19 on the mexican labor market: An analysis from a gender perspective

Abstract

This article contributes, from a gender perspective, to the growing literature on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the labor market and the different approaches of policy responses. The research is focused on the Mexican case while the analysis is carried out using data from telephone household surveys and the review of government programs. The results indicate that Mexican women are being affected in a disproportionate manner. This differentiated impact can be mainly observed in the large unemployment rates, the reduction in work hours and their larger loads of reproductive work. Based on the comparative analysis of policies, certain gaps can be identified in the actions of the Mexican government, mainly in those destined to relieve the increase of the reproductive workload at homes. Keywords: gender disparities, economic participation, reproductive work, public policy