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The Digital Gender Divide in Germany: The Role of Preferences and Constraints in Digital Involvement and Wages

Author

Listed:
  • Abraham, Martin

    (University of Erlangen-Nuremberg)

  • Wieser, Luisa

    (FAU, Erlangen Nuremberg)

  • Schnabel, Claus

    (University of Erlangen-Nuremberg)

  • Niessen, Cornelia

    (University of Erlangen-Nuremberg)

  • Bergmann, Sara

    (FAU Erlangen Nuremberg)

Abstract

This paper investigates the digital gender divide (DGD) in Germany by analyzing gendered patterns of digital technology use in both private and professional contexts, and their consequences for wages. Using data from the GESIS Panel, we construct a Digital Involvement at Work index covering ten technologies to assess both active use and passive exposure. Our results reveal a significant DGD in the workplace: women are consistently less involved with digital technologies at work, even after controlling for education, occupational qualification, and digital affinity. In contrast, private digital use appears more balanced. This suggests that structural constraints—rather than individual preferences—play a key role in shaping the divide. Further, we find that digital involvement is positively associated with individual income, yet it does not close the gender pay gap (GPG). On the contrary, digital involvement yields greater wage returns for men than for women. These findings highlight how gendered patterns of digitalization in the workplace reinforce existing inequalities. We conclude with a discussion of the implications for policy and labor market equity, emphasizing the need for measures that promote equitable digital inclusion.

Suggested Citation

  • Abraham, Martin & Wieser, Luisa & Schnabel, Claus & Niessen, Cornelia & Bergmann, Sara, 2025. "The Digital Gender Divide in Germany: The Role of Preferences and Constraints in Digital Involvement and Wages," IZA Discussion Papers 18097, IZA Network @ LISER.
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18097
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Rapoport, Elena & Volkova, Natalia V. & Barajas, Angel, 2026. "Women and men in tech: Invisible barriers, gendered self-perception, and the social reshaping of work," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 84(C).

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    JEL classification:

    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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