Working Paper: CEPR ID: DP2506
Authors: Melanie Ward
Abstract: This paper examines the hypothesis that the gender salary gap observed in the academic labour market is predominantly explained by the differing average characteristics of male and female academics and barriers to female promotion. Preliminary analysis reveals that the crowding of women onto the lower rungs of academia is a strong determinant of their lower average salary. This effect should be transitory as young women, now entering the profession, move up its ranks. We construct a rank attainment model and investigate the current and predicted distribution of females across ranks. Significant evidence of barriers to female promotion is revealed.
Keywords: academic profession; gender discrimination; promotion; salary
JEL Codes: J44; J70
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| academic rank (A14) | salary (J31) |
| barriers to promotion (J62) | academic rank (A14) |
| academic rank (A14) | gender salary gap (J31) |
| discrimination (J71) | barriers to promotion (J62) |
| rank allocation (A14) | gender salary gap (J31) |