Unpaid work and mental health during a pandemic: Evidence from the UK
Keywords:
COVID-19, Gender Disparities, Mental Health, Social Work, Unpaid WorkAbstract
We examine the impact of unpaid work on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic using a rich longitudinal survey data from the UK. We find that the pandemic significantly increased mental health problems, particularly among women. Our study also reveals that increased hours of unpaid work, including housework and caregiving are associated with worsening mental health outcomes for both men and women. These findings highlight the urgent need for policies addressing the mental health burden of unpaid labor during crises.
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