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Gender gaps and the structure of local labour markets

Author

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  • Barbara Petrongolo

    (Queen Mary University of London)

  • Maddalena Ronchi

    (Queen Mary University of London)

Abstract

In this paper we discuss some strands of the recent literature on the evolution of gender gaps and their driving forces. We will revisit key stylized facts about gender gaps in employment and wages in a few high-income countries. We then discuss and build on one gender-neutral force behind the rise in female employment, namely the rise of the service economy, which is also closely related to the polarisation of female employment and to the geographic distribution of jobs, which is expected to be especially relevant for female employment prospects. We finally turn to currently debated causes of remaining gender gaps and discuss existing evidence on labour market consequences of women's heavier caring responsibilities in the household. In particular, we highlight how women's stronger distaste for commuting time may feed into gender pay gaps by making women more willing to trade off steeper wage gains for shorter commutes.

Suggested Citation

  • Barbara Petrongolo & Maddalena Ronchi, 2020. "Gender gaps and the structure of local labour markets," Working Papers 901, Queen Mary University of London, School of Economics and Finance.
    • Handle: RePEc:qmw:qmwecw:901
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    gender gaps; industry structure; local labour markets.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure
    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination

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