Diferencias de género en la organización del cuidado del personal docente investigador de la Universidad de Cuenca durante el período de confinamiento obligatorio por COVID 19

Abstract

The COVID‐19 pandemic caused the transfer of activities to the domestic space, generating an increase in the demand for care in the family environment and directly impacting the social organization of care. The study describes gender differences in the organization of care of teaching research staff at the University of Cuenca during the period of mandatory confinement, as an incentive to reflect on equitable practices. Both care directed towards other people, self-care and the proposal of institutional changes to contribute to equal opportunities were addressed. For this purpose, a qualitative study was implemented with a narrative design of topics and a descriptive scope. 12 in-depth interviews were applied with a semi-structured guide. The sample was representative by gender and by research area. An inequitable organization of care is revealed, meaning an overload of work for women. Furthermore, the maintenance of traditional gender roles in the perception of self-care, in men associated with a protective role, while in the majority of women self-care is left in the background. Regulatory and cultural changes are suggested to build a more equitable environment in which the right of all people to care and be cared for is considered. The prevailing need to implement institutional policies from a gender perspective and focused on the care and well-being of the entire university community is evident.