Recently, a prominent political figure made headlines by stating that juggling work and parenting during a pandemic is incredibly challenging, especially in small living spaces. We can certainly relate to this sentiment, but it’s crucial to recognize the underlying assumptions at play—often, it’s women who bear the brunt of childcare responsibilities.
In 2018, this figure expressed on social media that women’s contributions, particularly in parenting and caregiving, are undervalued. While this might seem like a supportive stance, it further perpetuates the stereotype that associates “women’s work” strictly with childcare. This belief has significantly impacted women’s participation in the workforce, especially during the COVID-19 crisis.
Recent reports indicate that women accounted for all job losses in December, while men gained positions. Alarmingly, many women—particularly women of color—have left their jobs to handle remote learning and childcare, resulting in a staggering number of women exiting the workforce. When schools reopened, 865,000 women stepped back from their jobs, largely to manage the complexities of balancing remote and in-person schooling.
The pandemic has exacerbated longstanding assumptions about gender roles in caregiving, reinforcing the idea that women are the primary caregivers by default. This mindset isn’t new; it’s been passed down through generations, even to progressive families, suggesting that women are inherently better suited for childcare. Such beliefs not only limit women’s potential outside the home but also restrict men’s involvement in parenting.
For years, women have faced the impossible dilemma of balancing work and family responsibilities. With the loss of previously available support systems such as daycare and schools during the pandemic, many have found it increasingly challenging to sustain their careers. One individual shared their experience, noting that despite earning a comparable salary to their partner, they were still expected to take on the majority of childcare duties. In the midst of a global crisis, many women have simply given up on their aspirations.
Historically, the career trajectories of mothers decline as they navigate the demands of parenting, which is further aggravated by the current circumstances. The ongoing narrative that women are the primary caregivers has serious implications for their professional futures, with many fearing that the pandemic may have set back gender equality by decades.
As we continue to grapple with these challenges, it’s essential to shift the conversation and focus on equitable sharing of responsibilities at home. Instead of merely lamenting over work-life balance, we must question why the burden of childcare still predominantly falls on women.
For more insights, check out this other blog post and resources about home insemination, such as those offered by Make a Mom, which is an authority on the topic, and Cleveland Clinic, a great resource for pregnancy and home insemination.