Working Paper: NBER ID: w2672
Authors: Ronald C. Ehrenberg
Abstract: This paper presents a survey of the small, but growing, empirical literature by economists on the consequences of comparable worth. It discusses in turn studies of comparable worth's effects (or potential effects) on the male/female earnings gap, on female employment, on female labor supply and occupational mobility, and on women and their families as a group. The survey is critical in nature and areas in which further research is needed are indicated.
Keywords: Comparable Worth; Gender Wage Gap; Labor Economics
JEL Codes: J31; J71
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| Implementing comparable worth policies (J78) | Reduce male-female earnings gap (J79) |
| Comparable worth (J78) | Reduce female employment levels (J79) |
| 20% wage increase for female employees (J31) | Reduction in female employment (J21) |
| Comparable worth adjustments (J78) | Increase female wages relative to male wages (J31) |
| Higher wages in female-dominated sectors (J39) | Decreased hiring or increased competition for jobs (J23) |