The motherhood penalty in employment: Evidence from UK Asian mothers during the pandemic

This study explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the labour market outcomes of mothers with school-aged children in the UK, with a focus on gender and ethnicity. We find that Asian mothers face a more pronounced motherhood penalty in terms of unemployment compared to both their White counterparts and Asian fathers. This penalty is particularly strong and statistically significant in contact-intensive industries. Our findings are in line with the view that cultural and social norms associated with ethnicity play a key role in shaping Asian mothers’ responsibilities, both within the home and in the labour market. During school closures, Asian mothers are more likely to assume primary caregiving duties, which increases their risk of unemployment. Further analysis reveals that Asian mothers experience greater mental health challenges during the pandemic. Our findings underscore the need for policies that promote a more equitable distribution of childcare responsibilities, especially within Asian communities. Lessons from this study may also be applicable to Asian countries.