Gender differences in wages and leadership

Gender gaps in wages and leadership positions are large—Why, and what can be done about it?

Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School, USA, and IZA, Germany

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Elevator pitch

Gender wage gaps and women’s underrepresentation in leadership positions exist at remarkably similar magnitudes across countries at all levels of income per capita. Women’s educational attainment and labor market participation have improved, but this has been insufficient to close the gaps. A combination of economic forces, cultural and social norms, discrimination, and unequal legal rights appear to be contributing to gender inequality. A range of policy options (such as quotas) have been implemented in some countries; some have been successful, whereas for others the effects are still unclear.

Gender wage gaps and proportion of female
                        CEOs

Key findings

Pros

Women’s educational attainment and labor market participation have improved in middle-income and, to a lesser extent, in low-income countries.

Women’s presence in professional, technical, and managerial roles and leadership positions in politics has increased in recent decades.

Increased female representation in government and corporate leadership can benefit women at lower ranks and help change perceptions about the role of women in society.

In recent years, several women have become CEOs of important companies, providing role models for other women.

Cons

Male–female wage differentials are large and persistent and do not automatically shrink with economic development.

Despite some gains, women remain severely underrepresented in top leadership positions in institutions and firms.

Gender gaps in wages and representation in managerial positions likely reflect an inefficient allocation of talent, with negative consequences for growth.

In many low- and middle-income countries, legal provisions exist that restrict women’s freedoms and opportunities.

Author's main message

Policy interventions aimed at increasing women’s human capital are essential; however, they cannot be expected to automatically close the gender gaps in labor force participation, wages, and political and corporate leadership that exist in countries at different levels of income per capita. In some contexts, affirmative action and gender quotas have had positive effects and also created role models. Eliminating legal discrimination against women, and promoting policies to counteract discrimination and cultural and social norms that, in many countries, have traditionally assigned women subordinate roles should be critical policy goals.

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Data source(s)

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Countries