Gendered Impact of the COVID-19: Insights from an Interpretative Phenomenological Perspective

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic has turned the lives of people upside down across all walks of life. The COVID-19 driven partial/full lockdowns across the globe confined millions behind the walls restricting their movement. The confinement of people has led to various disruptions in their social, economic and psychological well-being. The fear of catching the virus coupled with financial strain and social distancing has proliferated the anxiety and stress among the masses. COVID-19 has adversely impacted the progression of women’s empowerment. It is reported that a greater number of women compared to male counterparts have lost their jobs during the pandemic, especially those working in the industrial mix. Women since long have been facing the brunt of inequalities across different spheres and sectors. They have always assumed the role of primary caregivers, be it in the present context or the various outbreaks in the past. Theoretical background establishes the conspicuous impact of various outbreaks in the past leading to economic and social disruptions. Further, few have addressed the psychological aspects of such outbreaks or crises on the people, and the invidious impact on women-specific studies is limited, especially in the Indian context. Therefore, the present study explains the major changes and issues women face during COVID-19, especially during the lockdown phase. The study highlights the significant roles assumed by women during the lockdown period and throws light on the precarious situation wherein they have faced intimate partner violence. The exploratory study delves deeper into the primary subjects using interpretative phenomenological analysis.