By: Zara Thompson
Updated: Jan. 23, 2021
Originally Published: Jan. 21, 2021
As COVID-19 began to spread and stay-at-home orders were put in place, many women experienced job losses due to business closures, while others had to leave the workforce to care for their families as schools and daycares shut down. A report released in December revealed that women represented the entirety of job losses that month. Recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics highlights that Black and Latinx women are disproportionately affected, with Latinx women facing a staggering job loss rate of 9.1%, and Black women at 8.4%. In comparison, White women are experiencing a lower job loss rate of 5.7%, managing to make some gains despite the overall downturn. The disparity in job losses among these groups is rooted in the types of employment they hold.
Many Black and Latinx women occupy essential roles in industries such as grocery, retail, childcare, and food service. These jobs are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 related closures. “Those sectors are less likely to have flexibility, so when employers are inflexible or women can’t come to work because of caregiving responsibilities, they have to exit the workforce,” explained Janelle Rivers, president and CEO of the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, in a conversation with CNN.
Even if their jobs are still available, they often lack benefits such as paid leave or flexible hours, crucial factors for job security. Without the ability to take time off while still earning an income, many are left with no choice but to leave their positions. This situation is compounded by the fact that Black and Latinx communities are experiencing higher rates of COVID-19 infections, primarily due to their roles in frontline jobs.
In my city, public schools have been fully virtual since August. The absence of in-person learning means parents lose access to all-day schooling and before- and after-school care. Finding reliable childcare has become increasingly difficult, as many facilities have closed or reduced their capacity due to safety concerns and financial constraints. This inconsistency poses a significant barrier for working parents.
While the lack of childcare impacts all women, racial inequity exacerbates the situation for Black and Latinx women. For instance, if a woman working at a grocery store has a family member who is immunocompromised, she may be forced to quit her job to protect her loved ones. The same goes for those working in restaurants, where job losses have been extensive, leaving many without support.
The unpredictability of in-person schooling also jeopardizes job security. If a school must close due to a surge in cases, essential workers may find themselves unable to work when they need to care for children at home. This creates a vicious cycle where the need for childcare directly correlates to job losses among women.
Access to childcare is arguably the leading cause of job loss among women today. According to Intelligencer, the economic downturn has devastated childcare providers, making it difficult for many women to return to the workforce. A report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation indicates that 39% of Latino families are hesitant to return to work due to childcare shortages, while 31% of White families share this concern.
It’s also essential to recognize that many childcare providers are Black and Latinx women. The instability of their businesses due to fluctuating demand during the pandemic has created a precarious situation. They may find it challenging to maintain clients when parents are working from home, while essential workers desperately need care for their children. The risk of COVID-19 transmission adds another layer of difficulty for these caregivers.
The road to recovery for women in the workforce will be long, especially for Black and Latinx women who are currently facing the brunt of these challenges. This trend is only expected to worsen, making reentry into the workforce increasingly daunting, even as society begins to return to “normal.”
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Summary:
Black and Latinx women have been disproportionately affected by job losses due to COVID-19, largely because they occupy essential roles in industries vulnerable to shutdowns. The lack of flexible working arrangements and reliable childcare exacerbates this issue, leading many to leave the workforce entirely. Racial inequities further complicate their situation, making recovery challenging as they navigate job loss and caregiving responsibilities.
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