As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded and stay-at-home mandates were enforced, many women found themselves jobless due to 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 were responsible for all job losses that month. Recent statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics have highlighted that Black and Latinx women are experiencing job losses at alarming rates. Currently, Latinx women face a staggering job loss rate of 9.1 percent, while Black women are at 8.4 percent. In contrast, White women have the lowest rate at 5.7 percent, indicating some level of job retention even amidst widespread losses. The disparity in job types held by these groups explains why Black and Latinx women are losing jobs at higher rates.
The Impact of Employment Sectors
Consider the sectors where these women typically work. Many are employed in essential roles at grocery stores, big box retailers, or various service jobs, including childcare as daycare workers, babysitters, and nannies. The pandemic has severely impacted these industries, as COVID-related closures continue to ripple through the economy. “These sectors are less likely to offer flexibility, so when employers are inflexible or women can’t report to work due to caregiving responsibilities — they have to exit the workforce,” explains Dr. Kiera Thompson, president and CEO of the Women’s Economic Policy Institute.
Challenges of Job Security
Even when their jobs remain open, many of these women lack access to paid leave or flexible hours, which are crucial for job security. Without the ability to take leave while still earning an income, many are left with no choice but to stop working to care for their families. Additionally, Black and Latinx individuals are contracting COVID-19 at disproportionately high rates due to their front-facing jobs, leading some to resign for safety reasons.
The Childcare Crisis
In my city, public schools have been virtual since August, eliminating the option for in-person or hybrid education. This lack of in-person schooling means parents lose access to all-day education as well as before and after-school care. Finding care for younger children has become increasingly challenging, as many daycares have closed due to the pandemic. Some providers simply lack the resources for proper health protocols or staffing. Those that remain open may face unpredictable closures due to COVID-related issues. Without reliable childcare, how can parents maintain employment?
The childcare crisis is not only affecting mothers universally but is especially acute for Black and Latinx women who often have limited alternatives. For instance, if you work at a retail store and have a family member at home who is immunocompromised, you may feel compelled to quit rather than risk their health. Similarly, restaurant workers have faced mass layoffs, leaving those with caregiving responsibilities with no choice but to leave their jobs.
Job Stability and School Closures
It’s a difficult situation because, at the same time, returning to in-person schooling poses risks for job stability. Schools may implement safety measures, but if COVID-19 cases surge, they may be forced to shut down temporarily. Often, it is the mothers who must stay home when schools close, adding further strain on their already precarious employment situations. The cycle continues as essential workers risk exposure when returning home to children who might have been near someone infected.
Long-Term Effects of Childcare Shortages
Access to childcare — or the lack thereof — is arguably the primary driver behind the current job losses among women. According to Intelligencer, the economic downturn combined with movement restrictions has forced many childcare centers out of business. Economists caution that the diminishing availability of childcare could prevent women from re-entering the workforce in the long run. A study by the Annie E. Casey Foundation found that 39 percent of Latino families are less likely to return to work due to childcare shortages, with 31 percent of White families reporting the same.
It’s important to note that many childcare providers are also Black and Latinx women. Those who operate in-home daycare services may be experiencing fluctuations in clientele due to the pandemic, as many parents opt to work from home. Conversely, essential workers may require more childcare, yet those providers risk closures if families bring in COVID-19. This precarious environment also affects babysitters and nannies, as families are becoming more cautious about inviting anyone into their homes.
The Path Forward
The path to re-entering the workforce for women will likely be long and challenging. The job losses we are witnessing now are just the beginning, especially for Black and Latinx women who are most affected. As time goes on, these numbers are expected to rise, making it increasingly difficult for them to return to work when opportunities arise. The repercussions of this crisis will resonate long after things return to “normal.”
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Summary:
Black and Latinx women are facing significant job losses amid the COVID-19 pandemic, largely due to their employment in essential sectors and lack of flexible job options. The ongoing childcare crisis exacerbates their struggles, as many lack reliable care for their children while schools remain closed. These challenges highlight the need for systemic changes to support these communities in the workforce.