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Gender earnings ratio differences among population groups in Canada

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  • Aneta Bonikowska

Abstract

This study explores differences in mean annual earnings from paid employment between women and men within 11 population groups in Canada. Substantial differences were found in the gender earnings ratio within different population groups. The highest earnings ratio was observed among Black workers, where Black men had the lowest mean earnings of men in the 11 groups. The lowest earnings ratio was among Japanese workers, where men of Japanese origin had the highest mean annual earnings of all groups, surpassing those of White men. Differences in weekly hours worked and sector of employment explained substantial shares of the earnings differences between women and men in all population groups. Differences in occupational distribution further explained some of the gender earnings gaps for many groups. While the overall gender earnings ratio increased in Canada from 1996 to 2016, these gains were not distributed evenly across population groups. Southeast Asian and White women saw the biggest increases in their earnings relative to men in their population groups. There was essentially no change among Black and South Asian workers, and small declines were seen in the gender earnings ratio among Japanese, Latin American, and Arab and West Asian employees.

Suggested Citation

  • Aneta Bonikowska, 2024. "Gender earnings ratio differences among population groups in Canada," Economic and Social Reports 202401100003e, Statistics Canada, Analytical Studies and Modelling Branch.
    • Handle: RePEc:stc:stcp8e:202401100003e
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.25318/36280001202401100003-eng
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Heather Antecol, 2001. "Why Is There Interethnic Variation in the Gender Wage Gap?: The Role of Cultural Factors," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 36(1), pages 119-143.
    2. Nicole M. Fortin, 2019. "Increasing earnings inequality and the gender pay gap in Canada: Prospects for convergence," Canadian Journal of Economics/Revue canadienne d'économique, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 52(2), pages 407-440, May.
    3. Sencer Karademir & Jean-William Laliberté & Stefan Staubli, 2026. "The Multigenerational Impact of Children and Childcare Policies," Journal of Labor Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 44(1), pages 189-227.
    4. Battu, Harminder & Seaman, Paul & Zenou, Yves, 2011. "Job contact networks and the ethnic minorities," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 18(1), pages 48-56, January.
    5. Nicole M. Fortin, 2019. "Increasing earnings inequality and the gender pay gap in Canada: Prospects for convergence," Canadian Journal of Economics, Canadian Economics Association, vol. 52(2), pages 407-440, May.
    6. Grund, Christian, 2015. "Gender pay gaps among highly educated professionals — Compensation components do matter," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 34(C), pages 118-126.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J23 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Demand
    • M21 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Economics - - - Business Economics

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