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Childcare as Infrastructure: The Impact of COVID-19 on Childcare and Gender Equity

Author

Listed:
  • Modestino, Alicia Sasser

    (Northeastern University)

  • Finn, Zachary

    (Northeastern University)

  • Ladge, Jamie

    (Boston College)

  • Lincoln, Alisa

    (Northeastern University)

Abstract

Conducting a nationally representative survey of 2,500 working parents between Mother's and Father's Day of 2020, we examine gender differences in the childcare shock during the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on demographic, household, and labor market factors, we document gender differences in time use, work status, mental health, job satisfaction, and employer benefits. Using variation in pre-pandemic characteristics to measure exposure to the childcare shock, we find mothers in the more vulnerable group were 15 percentage points more likely to experience a reduction in hours due to childcare than similarly situated fathers. Although paid family leave helped narrow the gap in hours between mothers and fathers in the affected group, newer COVID-19 workplace practices such as working from home and childcare subsidies had no effect.

Suggested Citation

  • Modestino, Alicia Sasser & Finn, Zachary & Ladge, Jamie & Lincoln, Alisa, 2025. "Childcare as Infrastructure: The Impact of COVID-19 on Childcare and Gender Equity," IZA Discussion Papers 18004, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18004
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D13 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Household Production and Intrahouse Allocation
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • I30 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • J28 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Safety; Job Satisfaction; Related Public Policy
    • J71 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Discrimination - - - Hiring and Firing

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