The Gendered Outbreak of COVID-19 in South Korea

ABSTRACT Although South Korea is well-known for its aggressive response to COVID-19, little is known about how the risk of infection manifests differently by gender. Using real-time data on confirmed cases, this study empirically examines the gendered outbreak of COVID-19 driven by occupational segregation in South Korea. It investigates gender differences in risk of work-related exposure, particularly for those jobs where essential activities are conducted, such as in the healthcare sector, and that are dominated by women. The results from the multinomial logit model confirm that women have a higher risk of workplace exposure than men, particularly in pink-collar and care jobs. The findings emphasize the need for a gender-aware perspective to policy measures advanced during the pandemic and recovery. HIGHLIGHTS Gender is an important factor for determining infection risks of COVID-19 in workplaces. In South Korea’s gender-segregated labor markets, women have higher exposure to infection than men. Women typically occupy jobs in the healthcare and welfare sectors that require frequent interpersonal interaction. They are also underrepresented in occupations with the ability to telecommute. Policy measures must include gender-aware responses and address inequality during the pandemic and recovery.