Advancements in gender equality in the labor market may be vulnerable to sudden displacements. This study shows long-lasting differences in commuting-to-work behavior between men and women that started in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Drawing on cellular phone data tracing the mobility of people from all major Italian metropolitan areas, we find that women commuted-to-work less than men after the outbreak of the pandemic, relative to the pre-pandemic period. Over time, the gap has reduced, but, as of today, it has not closed. This persistent difference is explained by the reduced mobility of women who face a higher opportunity cost of commuting, such as those traveling longer distances and those in an age range associated with a higher likelihood of childcare duties. Thus, the nudge created by the pandemic to shift temporarily to remote work arrangements, created long-lasting gendered differences on commuting-to-work, even after all restrictions were relieved. This finding is consistent with a gendered ratchet effect on commuting-to-work triggered by Covid-19. Given the implications of commuting-to-work for the distribution of family responsibilities and its impact on labor market outcomes such as wages and promotions, our result highlights the importance of addressing the origins and consequences of gender disparities in commuting costs.
