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Gender and Top Lifetime Earnings Inequality: Ten New Facts from Brazil

Author

Listed:
  • Martinez, Tomás R.

    (Insper, São Paulo)

  • Martins-Neto, Antonio

    (World Bank)

  • Mello, Ursula

    (Insper, São Paulo)

Abstract

This paper presents ten new facts on gender and top lifetime earnings inequality in Brazil, drawing on rich administrative data covering nearly the entire formal labor market from 1985 to 2018. We document significant gender disparities in lifetime earnings, particularly among top earners, where women are both underrepresented and face larger earnings gaps compared to men. We identify key drivers of this inequality, including labor force participation, occupational segregation, employment in large firms, and job-switching patterns. Public sector employment partially mitigates these gaps.

Suggested Citation

  • Martinez, Tomás R. & Martins-Neto, Antonio & Mello, Ursula, 2025. "Gender and Top Lifetime Earnings Inequality: Ten New Facts from Brazil," IZA Discussion Papers 17602, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17602
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    life cycle earnings inequality; gender earnings gap; top earners;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D33 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Factor Income Distribution
    • J01 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - General - - - Labor Economics: General
    • J30 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - General
    • J45 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Public Sector Labor Markets

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