HOME BOUND MEN: IMPACTS OF RESTRICTIONS ON MEN’S LIVES DURING COVID-19

Abstract

This research explores the impacts of pandemic (covid-19) driven lockdown on the gender roles of men within the household. This study has adopted the phenomenological approach to examine the perceptions, lived experiences and interpretations of the sudden changes on their gender expectations and roles during lockdown. Through examining this abrupt shift of dynamics within household, work, relationships, and mental health, this study focuses on expanding our understanding of impacts of lockdown on gender equality. Traditional and stereotypical gender roles were disrupted by the lockdown, providing a chance to examine how men renegotiate and reevaluate their roles within families and households. This research aims at how men have coped with these changing dynamics and what strategies they have adopted to navigate their work and personal life together. In addition, this research also highlighted the significance of mental health and how we need to re address the societal expectation from men.