Abstract:
The COVID-19 crisis has taken the world by surprise, and its effects are widening pre-existing
inequalities such as socioeconomical, educational, and digital divides. The gender gap is no exception,
and research shows that lockdowns are strongly impacting women, who, on the whole, are more
vulnerable to the effects of a crisis. This study analyzes the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown in
Spain on families, from a gender perspective. To this end, 663 participants related to the STEM
(Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields were recruited to participate in the
research through their connection with the Equality Office of the major technical university of
Spain, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, which offers most engineering and architecture degrees.
The results indicate that the great myths of gender inequality are still alive in Spain, and that a crisis
of this nature can perpetuate them. However, the crisis also presents an opportunity for change.
Will the STEM careers be prepared to take advantage of this opportunity, or will this crisis end up
perpetuating their markedly masculine character? Are we ready for a revolution? The COVID-19
crisis and its learnings about the importance of care can open the path to change.
