Social and gender inequalities driven by post-COVID-19 changes in the living environment: Questionnaire-based evidence from Tokyo, Japan

The COVID-19 pandemic in urban areas has impacted people's physical and mental health and exacerbated existing inequalities among individuals of different socioeconomic statuses (SES). Hence, social and gender inequalities have amplified due to changes in the urban living environment of varying SES post-COVID-19. To verify social inequalities across age groups, education levels, occupations, and income levels, and gender inequalities between single men, single women, and those with spouses, this research conducted an online questionnaire survey with 420 participants from 23 wards of Tokyo, Japan. Social inequality was particularly evident in income changes, work styles, and the willingness to relocate, with disparities existing among residents based on income level, age, and occupation, which were closely tied to their living environments. Furthermore, gender-based inequality regarding relocation decisions due to COVID-19, and the factors influencing the choice of new living locations, were a widespread issue across the 23 wards, regardless of their environment.