Essays on Spatial Constraints and Gender Equality: the Impact of COVID-19 Lockdowns on Work-from-Anywhere Dynamics and Gender Equality in Job Searches

Abstract

This dissertation explores the intersection of spatial constraints and gender equality by leveraging the COVID-19 lockdowns as a natural experiment to study the impact of work-from-anywhere (WFA) dynamics on job search behaviors. The introduction of mandatory lockdowns drastically shifted the labor market landscape, prompting an increase in the demand for flexible work formats. Utilizing data from over one million job seekers on an online employment platform, this research examines how the sudden wide availability of remote work options influenced job search activities differently across genders. Using unique data from a large online job platform, a comparison of pre- and post-COVID-19 lockdown data shows that women significantly increased their engagement with geographically flexible job postings, reacting more strongly than men to the rise in remote job opportunities at both the job viewing and application stages. This shift also resulted in a narrowing of the wage gap in positions viewed and applied for during the post-lockdown period compared to pre-lockdown benchmarks. Notably, the study identifies variations in job search behavior among those likely constrained by domestic responsibilities. While differences in job posting views suggest an initial differential impact, such differences vanish at the application stage. Collectively, these results indicate that the pandemic-induced shift towards remote work has contributed to a gender-equalizing effect in the job market, including those navigating domestic labor constraints. This research not only highlights the transformative potential of WFA arrangements in promoting gender equality but also provides insights into the mechanisms that drive these changes within the labor market.

Keywords: organizational studies, gender inequality, flexible working arrangements, hiring, applications processes, decision making, digital platforms.