Journal of Economic Perspectives
ISSN 0895-3309 (Print) | ISSN 1944-7965 (Online)
Understanding the "Family Gap" in Pay for Women with Children
Journal of Economic Perspectives
(pp. 137–156)
(Complimentary)
Abstract
As the gender gap in pay between women and men has been narrowing, the 'family gap' in pay between mothers and nonmothers has been widening. One reason may be the institutional structure in the United States, which has emphasized equal pay and opportunity policies but not family policies, in contrast to other countries that have implemented both. The authors now have evidence on the links between one such family policy and women's pay. Recent research suggests that maternity leave coverage, by raising women's retention after childbirth, also raises women's levels of work experience, job tenure, and pay.Citation
Waldfogel, Jane. 1998. "Understanding the "Family Gap" in Pay for Women with Children." Journal of Economic Perspectives 12 (1): 137–156. DOI: 10.1257/jep.12.1.137JEL Classification
- J16 Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
- J31 Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials
- J13 Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth