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SHE canÕt afford it and HE doesnÕt want it: The gender gap in the COVID-19 consumption response

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  • Stefanie Huber

    (Erasmus University Rotterdam)

Abstract

This paper explores whether and why the pandemic differentially altered women and menÕs consumption behavior. After the 2020 wave of lockdown restrictions were lifted, women reduced consumption more than men. Data on self-reported reasons for consuming less reveals that gender differences in infection risk aversion and precautionary saving motives are small. I find consider- able gender differences in the reporting of affordability constraints and consumer preference shifts. Women report financial constraints more frequently. Men adapted more to the limited consumption possibilities during the lockdown and frequently reported Ònot missingÓ various items as the primary reason for spending less than pre-pandemic.

Suggested Citation

  • Stefanie Huber, 2022. "SHE canÕt afford it and HE doesnÕt want it: The gender gap in the COVID-19 consumption response," Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers 22-029/II, Tinbergen Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:tin:wpaper:20220029
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    COVID-19; gender gap; gender equality; household consumption; consumer preferences; experience effects; fiscal policy;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D12 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis
    • D14 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Household Saving; Personal Finance
    • D30 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - General
    • E21 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Consumption; Saving; Wealth
    • G50 - Financial Economics - - Household Finance - - - General
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination

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