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During the pandemic, women have been more likely than men to leave their jobs, cut back on hours at work and take on more parenting responsibilities. Those are all factors of the first American recession to deliver greater financial losses to women than men.
This week, reporter Emma Castleberry wrote about the demands that the covid economy has placed on women, especially single mothers responsible for supporting their families. A few takeaways:
- Dr. Teresa Baker, director of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center’s residency program for obstetrics and gynecology in Amarillo, said that she’s seen postpartum depression rates double. Single mothers without child care are also avoiding doctor visits, because many clinics don’t allow patients to bring children.
- During the pandemic, women have cut their hours 20 to 50% more than men. That’s largely because women are more likely to work in an industry affected by the recession, and they also bear most of the responsibility for child care and managing their kids’ educations.
- All of this has left women with a boatload of stress. Yet several mothers told Emma they felt like they couldn’t take a break or slow down.
Today on our podcast, Hard Reset: I spoke with writer and comedian Jennie Egerdie, who reimagined the lives of the characters Frog and Toad during the pandemic in two delightful pieces for McSweeney’s. We talked about how this year has changed her creative process and relationship with humor.
ICYMI: Earlier from Big If True
- Our post-election episode of Hard Reset had some predictions for what a Biden presidency could mean for how the government works, climate change policy and local media.
- Also on Hard Reset, I spoke with Emma, who wrote last month about the new challenges people face after leaving prison.
- From us and Curbside Chronicle: Resources for Oklahoma City’s homeless youth increased despite the pandemic.
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Send me feedback, questions and tips: bryant@bigiftrue.org and 405-990-0988.
– Mollie Bryant
Editor, Big If True