Gender (Women-Led Households) as a Determinant of Consumption Expenditure on Food during March 2020 – A Case Study of Maharashtra

This study examines the factors influencing food expenditure in urban and rural households of Maharashtra, with a focus on gender dynamics during the COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020. Utilizing secondary data from the Consumer Pyramid Household Survey (CPHS), the analysis employs regression techniques to investigate the impact of Adjusted Total Income, Gender Group, Age Group, Occupation Group, Education Group, and Household Size on Adjusted Food Expenditure. The results reveal that Adjusted Total Income, Age Group, Gender Group, Education Group, and Household Size are significant predictors of food expenditure, with women-led households demonstrating a crucial role in managing food resources. Women’s spending patterns reflect their prioritization of food security, particularly during economic crises, aligning with previous research highlighting their central role in household budgeting. In contrast, Occupation Group does not significantly influence food expenditure in this context. The findings underscore the importance of considering gender dynamics in food expenditure analyses and suggest that policy interventions should focus on supporting women-led households to enhance food security and manage economic disruptions effectively.