Mental Health and Well-Being in Assam During COVID-19 Pandemic: Critical Understanding of Its Gender Dimensions

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic affects men and women differently because of gender roles and differential socio-cultural and economic positions. This chapter examines the gender dimensions in the adverse impacts of the pandemic on people’s mental health and well-being in Assam, India. It also looks into the mental health service-seeking behaviour of the respondents. The study uses the mixed research method and grounded theory to build new conceptual understandings of mental health and gender during the pandemic situation. The study revealed that though queer, women and men were affected differentially, the mental health and well-being of queer and women were affected the most as gender construct and social position played a significant role in shaping it.