Care Work in Pandemic Times: A Study about Indigenous Women in Oaxaca

Abstract

Objective: to describe the pandemic effects on women’s life in seven indigenous communities in the state of Oaxaca and to discuss the gender inequality, agency capacity, and care work concepts, with emphasis on community care work that is present in indigenous people societies with cargo systems. Methodology: qualitative one through a digital ethnography, using in-depth interviews. Results: the pandemic has resulted in women’s overloaded work, showing the convergence of different care activities that are carried out in the domestic and community spaces. The foregoing evidences a continuum of gender mandates in which indigenous women live inequalities, while they are required to take care of the nuclear and extended family, and the community. However, their agency capacity is highlighted. Limitations: due to confinement, a remote study based on virtual interviews was carried out. The collected information is insufficient to evaluate the COVID-19 pandemic effects of all indigenous communities in Oaxaca. Value: the research describes women’s care work increase during the pandemic. Conclusions: there is a need for public policies that lead to gender equality.