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Do women gain or lose from becoming mothers? A comparative wage analysis in 20 European countries

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  • Sile Padraigin O'Dorchai

Abstract

This paper analyses disparity in women’s pay across 20 European countries using EU-SILC 2006. First, a selectivity-adjusted gender pay gap is computed and examined in each of the countries. Next, the impact of parenthood is analysed. We show that women suffer a wage disadvantage compared with men all over Europe. Motherhood usually reinforces the gender gap but discrimination is more sex- than maternity-related so that it concerns all women as (potential) mothers. Fatherhood has a positive impact on men’s wages. Finally, in most countries, the wage gap between mothers and fathers is even deeper than that between women and men.

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  • Sile Padraigin O'Dorchai, 2009. "Do women gain or lose from becoming mothers? A comparative wage analysis in 20 European countries," DULBEA Working Papers 09-11.RS, ULB -- Universite Libre de Bruxelles.
    • Handle: RePEc:dul:wpaper:09-11.rs
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    wage gap estimation/decomposition; gender; parenthood.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials
    • J71 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Discrimination - - - Hiring and Firing

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