Working Paper: CEPR ID: DP14311
Authors: Ghazala Azmat; Vicente Cunat; Emeric Henry
Abstract: Using a representative survey of U.S. lawyers, we document a sizeable gender gap in early partnership aspirations, which explains half of the later gender promotion gap. We propose a model to understand aspirations and then empirically test it. We show that aspirations induce greater effort and increase regret if a promotion is not obtained. Furthermore, aspirations are linked to fertility choices and workplace experiences (mentoring and discrimination). Facing harassment or demeaning comments at an early career stage affects later promotion, mediated via a change in aspirations. We highlight that measuring aspirations, and understanding how they are formed, is key to explaining gender career gaps.
Keywords: Promotion; Career Aspirations; Gender Gaps
JEL Codes: J16; J44; K40; M51
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| gender promotion gaps (J16) | career aspirations (J62) |
| career aspirations (J62) | promotions (M51) |
| early workplace experiences (J29) | career aspirations (J62) |
| early workplace experiences (J29) | promotions (M51) |
| aspirations (Y60) | effort (D29) |
| social discrimination (J71) | career aspirations (J62) |
| career aspirations (J62) | regret (Y60) |
| fertility choices (J13) | career aspirations (J62) |