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The Caregiving Penalty: Gender and Caregiving Effects on Career Opportunities Perceived by Italian Employees

Author

Listed:
  • Irene Lantano

    (Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy)

  • Giuseppina Dell’Aversana

    (Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy)

  • Gertraud Bacher

    (ASAP Italy, 20122 Milan, Italy)

  • Massimo Miglioretti

    (Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy)

Abstract

Despite significant improvements in gender equality in recent years, persistent gender disparities remain prevalent in the workplace. In particular, women with caring responsibilities could encounter more barriers in obtaining career opportunities. This study examines the interplay between gender, caregiving responsibilities, and the perception of workplace disparities. We hypothesized that perceived gender-based inequalities would vary depending on the type of caregiving responsibilities, specifically childcare and eldercare. An online survey of 213 employees was conducted to explore this relationship. These preliminary findings suggest that gender biases regarding prospects for career development, leadership responsibility, and opportunities offered by workplaces could persist, and these biases are exacerbated when employees hold caregiving responsibilities, particularly those associated with the care of elderly people. This research establishes a foundational investigation into how gender and caregiving responsibility still influence employees’ conception of workplace disparities.

Suggested Citation

  • Irene Lantano & Giuseppina Dell’Aversana & Gertraud Bacher & Massimo Miglioretti, 2025. "The Caregiving Penalty: Gender and Caregiving Effects on Career Opportunities Perceived by Italian Employees," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-16, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:14:y:2025:i:9:p:547-:d:1748270
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. De Paola, Maria & Gioia, Francesca & Scoppa, Vincenzo, 2022. "Female leadership: Effectiveness and perception," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 201(C), pages 134-162.
    2. Chiara Mussida & Raffaella Patimo, 2023. "Care, labour force participation and health: the case of Italy," International Journal of Manpower, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 44(9), pages 91-107, July.
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