Abstract
The onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to progress toward gender equality and, instead, exacerbated existing gender inequalities across domains—from gendered divisions of labour to economic stability. In this paper we document some of the most glaring gender inequalities that have arisen in the COVID-19 pandemic and discuss how social psychological theories and research—including work on gender stereotypes and roles, responses to threat, precarious masculinity, perceptions of risk, and backlash—can help to explain the roots of these inequalities. In doing so, we use a broad definition of gender and consider relevant intersections of identity. Finally, we present three key considerations for research on gender inequalities moving forward. Namely, the need for social psychologists to (a) challenge binary conceptualizations of gender, (b) broaden the focus of research on gender inequalities, and (c) adopt an intersectional lens to address systemic inequalities in the wake of COVID-19.
Highlights
In Relational ViolenceRelational violence tends to increase during largescale disasters, and the COVID-19 pandemic is no exception (Bradbury-Jones & Isham, 2020)
The onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to progress toward gender equality and, instead, exacerbated existing gender inequalities across domains—from gendered divisions of labour to economic stability
The year 2020 was earmarked for reflection upon the progress made toward gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls (United Nations, 2020)
Summary
Relational violence tends to increase during largescale disasters, and the COVID-19 pandemic is no exception (Bradbury-Jones & Isham, 2020). There has been an increase of calls to crisis lines, online searches related to intimate partner violence, and actual reports of abuse (Bradbury-Jones & Isham, 2020; Usher et al, 2020). Abusers may fabricate or exploit quarantine “rules” to control their partners and prevent access to support. Out of fear of COVID-19, victims may feel less inclined to seek support or attend hospital (Usher et al, 2020). Women with disabilities, who are already at increased risk of relational and sexual violence, are in greater danger given the COVID-19 isolation measures (Azcona et al, 2020)
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