Olivetti, Claudia, Pan, Jessica and Petrongolo, Barbara (2024) The evolution of gender in the labor market. In: Dustmann, Christian and Lemieux, Thomas, (eds.) Handbook of Labor Economics. Handbook of Labor Economics. Elsevier (Firm), pp. 619-677. ISBN 9780443297649
Full text not available from this repository.Abstract
This chapter traces the evolution of the study of gender in the labor market, focusing on how academic thinking on this topic has evolved alongside real world developments in gender inequality from the 1980s to the present. We present a simple model of female labor supply to illustrate how various forces discussed in the literature (e.g., productivity differentials, unequal gender roles, wage markdowns) affect the gender earnings gap. A major development in the literature is a clearer distinction between intrinsic differences in preferences and skills between men and women versus differential constraints in driving gender gaps. We discuss insights from research on the relative importance of these explanations, and the implications for economic efficiency. We highlight that much of the literature today emphasizes the relevance of gendered constraints, where women and men typically face differential trade-offs between family and career, with implications for job sorting, job search, and earnings. These constraints have their roots in gender roles within the household that are shaped by wider societal norms. We review recent research that establishes the relevance of identity and norms for understanding gender inequalities in the labor market, both on the supply-side and on the demand-side, as well as what drives the formation and evolution of these norms. Finally, we conclude with suggestions for future research.
| Item Type: | Book Section |
|---|---|
| Additional Information: | © 2024 Elsevier |
| Divisions: | Centre for Economic Performance |
| Subjects: | H Social Sciences > HB Economic Theory H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor |
| Date Deposited: | 18 Dec 2024 10:54 |
| Last Modified: | 18 Dec 2024 10:54 |
| URI: | http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/126488 |
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |
