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Parenthood and the Gender Gap in Academic Careers

Author

Listed:
  • Ejermo, Olof

    (The Ratio Institute)

  • Holmström, Peter

    (The Ratio Institute)

Abstract

Using population-wide data on Swedish university researchers and teachers, we identify the effects of parenthood on academic careers. Leveraging staggered event-study models that compare mothers and fathers around first birth, we document widening gender gaps in publication output, wage income, promotion, and PhD completion. These gaps arise across all scientific fields. We further document substantial gender differences prior to first birth and among never-parents, indicating that child-related penalties explain only part of the overall academic gender gap.

Suggested Citation

  • Ejermo, Olof & Holmström, Peter, 2026. "Parenthood and the Gender Gap in Academic Careers," Ratio Working Papers 389, The Ratio Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:hhs:ratioi:0389
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    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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