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The Pandemic’s Setbacks for Working Moms The Pandemic’s Setbacks for Working Moms
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Women have shouldered more child care and housework responsibilities than men since long before the coronavirus era. But with schools, day care centers and camps closed, the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted and exacerbated that disparity. Even with men pitching in more, women are scrambling to balance their work with household obligations.Women have shouldered more child care and housework responsibilities than men since long before the coronavirus era. But with schools, day care centers and camps closed, the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted and exacerbated that disparity. Even with men pitching in more, women are scrambling to balance their work with household obligations.
Patricia Cohen and Tiffany Hsu, who cover business and economics for The Times, recently reported that the effects of the pandemic on working mothers will last far beyond this period of crisis. Their article showed that a generation of working women will experience setbacks that may have lifelong consequences for their earning potential and career opportunities.Patricia Cohen and Tiffany Hsu, who cover business and economics for The Times, recently reported that the effects of the pandemic on working mothers will last far beyond this period of crisis. Their article showed that a generation of working women will experience setbacks that may have lifelong consequences for their earning potential and career opportunities.
Some of the women they interviewed are balancing child care and jobs by working late-night or early morning shifts. Others have reduced their working hours or have quit their paid work altogether. One woman interviewed left the highest-paying role she had ever had: “I admitted to myself that I couldn’t do it all.”Some of the women they interviewed are balancing child care and jobs by working late-night or early morning shifts. Others have reduced their working hours or have quit their paid work altogether. One woman interviewed left the highest-paying role she had ever had: “I admitted to myself that I couldn’t do it all.”
Not surprisingly, the pressure is heaviest for single mothers who are the sole income providers for their families. Those who have lost their jobs have had the cumbersome task of seeking unemployment benefits and applying for new work while simultaneously helping their children with remote learning.Not surprisingly, the pressure is heaviest for single mothers who are the sole income providers for their families. Those who have lost their jobs have had the cumbersome task of seeking unemployment benefits and applying for new work while simultaneously helping their children with remote learning.
I asked Ms. Cohen and Ms. Hsu to share what they had learned in the course of their reporting. While some of the economists they cited had grim predictions, the reporters also shared some of the possibilities they see for reforms promoting work-life balance and workplace parity in the long term.I asked Ms. Cohen and Ms. Hsu to share what they had learned in the course of their reporting. While some of the economists they cited had grim predictions, the reporters also shared some of the possibilities they see for reforms promoting work-life balance and workplace parity in the long term.
Below are edited excerpts from our conversation.Below are edited excerpts from our conversation.
Experts have predicted the pandemic will have long-lasting effects on female representation in the workplace. What does that mean in practice?Experts have predicted the pandemic will have long-lasting effects on female representation in the workplace. What does that mean in practice?
PATRICIA COHEN Economic downturns can have long-lasting effects way beyond the duration of the downturn itself. For instance, when new graduates come out of college during a downturn, they may have a harder time finding a job or they may have to take a lower position than they had hoped to, and that can have impacts that will last over the course of their careers. It’s the same thing with working mothers: With schools closed and day care options limited, a lot of mothers may either drop out of the work force or have to work part time.PATRICIA COHEN Economic downturns can have long-lasting effects way beyond the duration of the downturn itself. For instance, when new graduates come out of college during a downturn, they may have a harder time finding a job or they may have to take a lower position than they had hoped to, and that can have impacts that will last over the course of their careers. It’s the same thing with working mothers: With schools closed and day care options limited, a lot of mothers may either drop out of the work force or have to work part time.
In your reporting, you cited the economist Betsey Stevenson, who said that the pandemic had exposed some of the gender inequities in American workplaces that existed long before Covid-19. What, in your mind, are the most egregious and which ones are the hardest to address?In your reporting, you cited the economist Betsey Stevenson, who said that the pandemic had exposed some of the gender inequities in American workplaces that existed long before Covid-19. What, in your mind, are the most egregious and which ones are the hardest to address?
COHEN Responsibilities both for child care and for housework fall much more heavily on women than on men. Between the workday hours, let’s say from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., mothers tend to handle 70 percent of the joint household and child care responsibilities compared with men.COHEN Responsibilities both for child care and for housework fall much more heavily on women than on men. Between the workday hours, let’s say from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., mothers tend to handle 70 percent of the joint household and child care responsibilities compared with men.
Why did the Covid-19 pandemic put those gender inequities “on steroids,” as the economist Claudia Goldin put it?Why did the Covid-19 pandemic put those gender inequities “on steroids,” as the economist Claudia Goldin put it?
TIFFANY HSU Because so many companies started to ask their employees to work from home, you had this situation where mothers were having to juggle work and care for their children simultaneously. And on top of that, they have housework. They have their own personal health to worry about. We heard stories of women who are waking up at 3 a.m. and working until 8 a.m., and then they’re taking a chunk of their child care duties for the day.TIFFANY HSU Because so many companies started to ask their employees to work from home, you had this situation where mothers were having to juggle work and care for their children simultaneously. And on top of that, they have housework. They have their own personal health to worry about. We heard stories of women who are waking up at 3 a.m. and working until 8 a.m., and then they’re taking a chunk of their child care duties for the day.
And that’s not taking into account women who are unemployed and are trying to file for jobless benefits and look for new jobs while juggling child care. We had one woman who mentioned she was on the phone constantly trying to get through to the state government to get her benefits in order. She had to take her kids with her to the store because she couldn’t leave them at home, so she was getting dirty looks while she was shopping. And she was just so overwhelmed that sometimes she had to hide in the bathroom to catch a breath.And that’s not taking into account women who are unemployed and are trying to file for jobless benefits and look for new jobs while juggling child care. We had one woman who mentioned she was on the phone constantly trying to get through to the state government to get her benefits in order. She had to take her kids with her to the store because she couldn’t leave them at home, so she was getting dirty looks while she was shopping. And she was just so overwhelmed that sometimes she had to hide in the bathroom to catch a breath.
COHEN We’re not even just talking about the normal child care responsibilities. School’s out so you’re supposed to be teaching your kids, too. Maybe you’re used to having your mother or family members help out, but now you’re worried about endangering them, so they can’t pitch in.COHEN We’re not even just talking about the normal child care responsibilities. School’s out so you’re supposed to be teaching your kids, too. Maybe you’re used to having your mother or family members help out, but now you’re worried about endangering them, so they can’t pitch in.
You have reported on the experiences of single moms versus partnered moms. What are the differences, or similarities, in how they are experiencing the pandemic?You have reported on the experiences of single moms versus partnered moms. What are the differences, or similarities, in how they are experiencing the pandemic?
Updated June 30, 2020
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
HSU Overall, we found that partnered moms generally had more options than the single moms did. For example, we had one mother whose husband is a medical professional, and she was able to step back from a very high-paying job in order to focus on a volunteer project — in addition to spending more time with her two daughters. That’s not something that a lot of single mothers are able to do at this time. They don’t have the luxury of quitting a job because they’re afraid of a potential Covid-19 infection. They’re the sole income providers for their families. While there are many partnered mothers who told us that their income is necessary and they can’t give it up, generally speaking, the single mothers were in more of a bind.HSU Overall, we found that partnered moms generally had more options than the single moms did. For example, we had one mother whose husband is a medical professional, and she was able to step back from a very high-paying job in order to focus on a volunteer project — in addition to spending more time with her two daughters. That’s not something that a lot of single mothers are able to do at this time. They don’t have the luxury of quitting a job because they’re afraid of a potential Covid-19 infection. They’re the sole income providers for their families. While there are many partnered mothers who told us that their income is necessary and they can’t give it up, generally speaking, the single mothers were in more of a bind.
Some economists have said that the current crisis for working families may prompt changes that will benefit working mothers in the long run, like child care and flexible work arrangements. Do you feel optimistic this will happen?Some economists have said that the current crisis for working families may prompt changes that will benefit working mothers in the long run, like child care and flexible work arrangements. Do you feel optimistic this will happen?
COHEN I think it’s too early to tell a lot of things. The U.S. is going through a convulsive moment. I don’t know exactly how things are going to play out, but hopefully over the long term it could create pressure for structural changes from businesses as well as from the government.COHEN I think it’s too early to tell a lot of things. The U.S. is going through a convulsive moment. I don’t know exactly how things are going to play out, but hopefully over the long term it could create pressure for structural changes from businesses as well as from the government.
HSU Some major companies — PepsiCo, Uber — have promised to provide more resources, more flexible working arrangements for parents, to allow more telecommuting, establishing separate shifts, that sort of thing. But then again, companies promise a lot of things and often don’t follow through, so it is hard to say.HSU Some major companies — PepsiCo, Uber — have promised to provide more resources, more flexible working arrangements for parents, to allow more telecommuting, establishing separate shifts, that sort of thing. But then again, companies promise a lot of things and often don’t follow through, so it is hard to say.
Are there more elements of your reporting or insights that you would like to share?Are there more elements of your reporting or insights that you would like to share?
COHEN People in the United States are often very reluctant to look at models from other countries that could be applied here, or they think that somehow the U.S. is unique. But the reality is that there are a lot of policies that are a part of the normal work experience in advanced industrialized countries, in Europe and elsewhere — paid time off, sick leave, day care, parental care. I think there should be more efforts to look and compare internationally what’s going on in other places.COHEN People in the United States are often very reluctant to look at models from other countries that could be applied here, or they think that somehow the U.S. is unique. But the reality is that there are a lot of policies that are a part of the normal work experience in advanced industrialized countries, in Europe and elsewhere — paid time off, sick leave, day care, parental care. I think there should be more efforts to look and compare internationally what’s going on in other places.
HSU I had several women mention to me that the pandemic has underscored the importance of networks for them. That includes parents who can help watch the kids, nanny shares, women who swap child care shifts. But the pandemic has made it very clear that they can’t always rely on those networks when conditions like this strike, or even when they go back to work. The networks women rely on to have satisfying, lucrative careers are actually built on very fragile foundations.HSU I had several women mention to me that the pandemic has underscored the importance of networks for them. That includes parents who can help watch the kids, nanny shares, women who swap child care shifts. But the pandemic has made it very clear that they can’t always rely on those networks when conditions like this strike, or even when they go back to work. The networks women rely on to have satisfying, lucrative careers are actually built on very fragile foundations.
COHEN And it’s not only about women with satisfying, lucrative careers. It’s precarious for so many people just to make a bare living and pay rent, and put food on the table. It’s clear how that whole edifice you’ve built can come tumbling down when one piece is removed, whether it’s school or having someone to pick up your child.COHEN And it’s not only about women with satisfying, lucrative careers. It’s precarious for so many people just to make a bare living and pay rent, and put food on the table. It’s clear how that whole edifice you’ve built can come tumbling down when one piece is removed, whether it’s school or having someone to pick up your child.
This article was adapted from In Her Words, a newsletter about women and gender. Sign up for the newsletter here.This article was adapted from In Her Words, a newsletter about women and gender. Sign up for the newsletter here.