Food, Gender, and Survival: Analyzing Consumption Behavior of Women-Headed Households during the COVID-19 Lockdown in Maharashtra

Abstract

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent national lockdown in March 2020 created unprecedented disruptions in household consumption across India. This study focuses on the state of Maharashtra, one of the most severely impacted regions, to investigate how gender dynamics influenced food expenditure during this economic and public health crisis. By employing secondary data from the Consumer Pyramid Household Survey (CPHS), the paper explores whether and how gender—specifically women-led households—acted as a determinant of food consumption patterns. Using multiple regression analysis, the study evaluates the effect of Adjusted Total Income, Gender Group, Age Group, Occupation Group, Education Group, and Household Size on Adjusted Food Expenditure.

The analysis reveals that Adjusted Total Income, Age Group, Gender Group, Education Level, and Household Size significantly influence food spending. In both urban and rural households, women-led households exhibit adaptive budgeting behavior aimed at securing food essentials amidst economic uncertainty. Conversely, the occupation of the household head did not emerge as a significant determinant. These findings support the formulation of gender-responsive policy measures that prioritize food security and socio-economic resilience in times of crisis.