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Analysing gender pay disparities and structural barriers among software developers: a cross-country study

Author

Listed:
  • Prakash, Arjun

    (Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur , India)

  • Yadav, Inder Sekhar

    (Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur , India)

Abstract

"This study analyses gender disparity in a highly skilled labour force within the modern knowledge-based economy. It explores the global gender pay disparity among software developers, examining structural barriers like the “glass ceiling” and “sticky floor” effects across different economic and geographical regions. Using quantile regression and Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition, the research analyses countries based on the World Bank classification to understand variations. The study reveals a moderate gender pay gap of 8.8% in High-Income countries, in contrast to 36.6% in lower-middle-income countries and a pronounced 47.9% in South Asia. Further, the study establishes the presence of a glass ceiling phenomenon among high-income and upper-middle-income countries in contrast to the sticky floor effect in lower-middle-income countries. Moreover, the study identifies that the unexplained component is higher in Non-High-Income countries than in High-Income countries. The study emphasises the need for Lower-Middle-Income regions, especially in South Asia, to adopt strategies from High-Income countries to create a more equitable workplace." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Suggested Citation

  • Prakash, Arjun & Yadav, Inder Sekhar, 2025. "Analysing gender pay disparities and structural barriers among software developers: a cross-country study," Journal for Labour Market Research, Institut für Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung (IAB), Nürnberg [Institute for Employment Research, Nuremberg, Germany], vol. 59, pages 1-017.
    • Handle: RePEc:iab:iabjlr:v:59:i::p:a017
    DOI: 10.1186/s12651-025-00407-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. de la Rica, Sara & Dolado, Juan J. & Llorens, Vanesa, 2005. "Ceiling and Floors: Gender Wage Gaps by Education in Spain," IZA Discussion Papers 1483, IZA Network @ LISER.
    2. de la Rica, Sara & Dolado, Juan J. & Llorens, Vanesa, 2005. "Ceiling and Floors: Gender Wage Gaps by Education in Spain," IZA Discussion Papers 1483, IZA Network @ LISER.
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    Keywords

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    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
    • J71 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Discrimination - - - Hiring and Firing
    • R23 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - Regional Migration; Regional Labor Markets; Population

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