Pandemic Crisis, Contact Intensity and Gender Disparity in a Developing Economy*

ABSTRACT

The paper attempts to analyse the grotesque dimensions of gender disparity of lockdown as a policy response to the pandemic crisis. In doing so, we develop a multi-sectoral distortion-ridden general equilibrium model which applies to small open developing economies. Lockdown results in supply-chain disruptions (SCDs), physical restrictions on labour gathering, adverse demand shock and an escalation of demand for the high-skilled capital-intensive product. Not only factor intensity ranking but also contact intensity of sectors has several dimensions. These dimensions include inter alia female labour force participation, the burden of unpaid domestic chores on women and gender wage disparity with unemployment as well. © 2023 The Economic Society of Australia.