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Inter-Industry Wage Differentials and the Gender Wage Gap: Evidence from European Countries

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Listed:
  • Brenda Gannon

    (National University of Ireland, Galway)

  • Robert Plasman

    (Universite Libre de Bruxelles)

  • Francois Rycx

    (Universite Libre de Bruxelles)

  • Ilan Tojerow

    (Université Libre de Bruxelles & Institute for the Study of Labour (IZA), Bonn, Germany)

Abstract

This study analyses the interaction between inter-industry wage differentials and the gender wage gap in six European countries using a unique harmonised matched employeremployee data set, the 1995 European Structure of Earnings Survey. Findings show the existence of significant inter-industry wage differentials in all countries for both sexes. While their structure is quite similar for men and women and across countries, their dispersion is significantly larger in countries with decentralised bargaining. Further results indicate that industry effects on the gender wage gap fluctuate sharply across European countries. In particular, our results show that combined industry effects explain 29 per cent of the gender wage gap in Ireland.

Suggested Citation

  • Brenda Gannon & Robert Plasman & Francois Rycx & Ilan Tojerow, 2007. "Inter-Industry Wage Differentials and the Gender Wage Gap: Evidence from European Countries," The Economic and Social Review, Economic and Social Studies, vol. 38(1), pages 135-155.
    • Handle: RePEc:eso:journl:v:38:y:2007:i:1:p:135-155
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials

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