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Earnings inequality and the expansion of care services in the United States, 1985–2019

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  • Leila Gautham
  • Nancy Folbre
  • Kristin Smith

Abstract

Earnings in care services are lower than in other industries, particularly among professional and managerial employees, and are more compressed than in other industries. The growth of primarily female employment in care services since the 1980s has buffered overall increases in wage inequality while slowing convergence in the gender wage differential.

Suggested Citation

  • Leila Gautham & Nancy Folbre & Kristin Smith, 2024. "Earnings inequality and the expansion of care services in the United States, 1985–2019," Industrial Relations Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 55(2), pages 119-140, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:indrel:v:55:y:2024:i:2:p:119-140
    DOI: 10.1111/irj.12419
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