As the pandemic continues to unfold, its unequal effects on women, especially working mothers, have become increasingly evident. The country is experiencing its first “she-cession,” and how we respond could shape the future of work.
A recent report from the Center for American Progress (CAP) reveals that women have lost a staggering 5.4 million jobs due to the pandemic-induced recession, which is nearly 1 million more than men have lost. The job losses in December were particularly alarming—while men gained around 16,000 jobs, women lost 156,000, contributing to an overall job decline of 140,000. According to the National Women’s Law Center, about 154,000 Black women left the workforce in December alone, marking the largest single-month decrease since the pandemic began.
Moreover, the economic ramifications are dire. CAP estimates that the loss of this talent could cost the U.S. $64.5 billion annually in lost wages and economic activity. Beyond the financial impact, personal hardships are significant; recent reports indicate that 40 percent of new mothers experience symptoms of depression, and 72 percent report moderate to high anxiety levels.
The pandemic’s toll is especially harsh on higher-income, educated mothers who can work remotely. In contrast, low-income mothers face a tighter squeeze between work and parenting. With inflexible work hours and a lack of affordable childcare, many are forced to make desperate choices—such as leaving their children unattended in public spaces—leading to severe consequences, including legal actions and loss of custody.
Policymakers often focus on reducing caregiving responsibilities for working mothers so they can return to their “real work” as wage-earners. However, we are entering an era where technology and artificial intelligence are reshaping all types of work. Routine tasks, whether mental or physical, can now be performed by machines. The uniquely human aspects of work—empathy, creativity, and nuanced communication—are more crucial than ever.
No group embodies these human qualities better than caregivers. Working mothers demonstrate exceptional empathy and interpersonal skills in caring for their children. Additionally, many women work in caregiving roles—healthcare, childcare, and home health services—jobs that are often undervalued despite being essential, particularly during crises.
We must start recognizing caregiving as a vital component of our economy and ensure that mothers can remain in the workforce while valuing their caregiving time. This may involve subsidizing companies that maintain part-time employment for mothers at full-time wages until the pandemic is under control.
Furthermore, we need to elevate the status of caregiving roles, which are predominantly filled by women, particularly women of color. By increasing wages and benefits for these positions, we can begin to change the narrative around “women’s work” and ensure that it is respected and compensated appropriately.
The work deemed “essential” during the pandemic is often the least well-paid and least respected in normal times. As we rethink the future of work, it’s crucial to acknowledge the importance of caregiving not just for individual families but for society as a whole.
For more insights on this topic, check out this other blog post, and for expert guidance on pregnancy, visit WomensHealth.gov.
For more information on self insemination and related topics, be sure to explore resources from Intracervical Insemination.
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