Early Signs Indicate That COVID-19 Is Exacerbating Gender Inequality in theLabor Force

In this data visualization, the authors examine how the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) crisis in the United States has affected labor force participation,unemployment, and work hours across gender and parental status. Using data from theCurrent Population Survey, the authors compare estimates between February and April 2020to examine the period of time before the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States to theheight of the first wave, when stay-at-home orders were issued across the country. Thefindings illustrate that women, particularly mothers, have employment disproportionatelyaffected by COVID-19. Mothers are more likely than fathers to exit the labor force andbecome unemployed. Among heterosexual married couples of which both partners work intelecommuting-capable occupations, mothers have scaled back their work hours to a fargreater extent than fathers. These patterns suggest that the COVID-19 crisis is alreadyworsening existing gender inequality, with long-term implications for women’semployment.