Women, work and pandemic: An impact study of COVID-19 lockdown on working women in India

Abstract

The first wave of the pandemic caused due to COVID-19 was marked by a complete lockdown in India in March 2020. This unprecedented time and global health crisis pushed everyone indoors and compelled all employees to work from home (WFH). This study is an attempt to explore the challenges and possibilities of the WFH scenario in the context of working women in India. Around 203 women professionals participated through Google form questionnaire from May–June 2020 to fathom the impact of lockdown while working in the WFH format. This study employs the ‘the Standpoint theory’ and the theory of ‘Performative action’ by Judith Butler to grasp the work-life balance and gender roles in family spaces. The results of the study have shown that although the spouses of these women are sharing some responsibilities of household and children, but still the main onus rests on women's shoulders. The identities attached with their working and non-working status have been fused with the arrival of paid work at home. The majority of the respondents reported that they have to give a big share of their time to household activities by compromising their work efficacy on the job.