Why Do Gender Gaps in the Labor Market Persist?

Lídia Farré Olalla, Institute for Economic Analysis, Spain

Monday 10 March 2025, 12.00 PM*

ICMAB - Sala d'Actes Carles Miravitlles and ONLINE

*Coffee and cookies by 11:45 AM

Abstract

I will delve into the persistence of gender gaps in the labor market, with a particular focus on disparities in labor force participation, wages, and leadership roles. Drawing on insights from gender economics, I will examine how economic structures, public policies, and social norms contribute to and perpetuate these inequalities.

The presentation will trace historical trends in female labor market participation, explore the relationship between economic development and gender equality, and consider the intergenerational transmission of gender norms. Key issues such as the motherhood penalty, occupational segregation, and the role of work flexibility in shaping gender disparities will be analyzed. I will present empirical evidence on the effects of paternity leave reforms, demonstrating how policy interventions can foster gender equality both within households and in the labor market.

Additionally, I will address the gender gaps present in academia, particularly in research, publication, and recognition, highlighting the structural barriers that women encounter in scientific careers.

Short bio

I am a Tenured Scientist at the Institut d’Anàlisi Econòmica of the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IAE-CSIC), Affiliated Professor at the Barcelona School of Economics, and Program Director of the Economics of Public Policy Master  (BSE). I am also a Research Fellow at IZA and External fellow at CReAM (UCL), and hold a PhD in Economics from the EUI (Florence, 2006). 

My research focuses on Labor and Public Economics with a particular emphasis on Gender Economics. I am an Associated Editor of SERIEs – The Journal of the Spanish Economic Association, lead various projects on gender in the labor market, and serve on Spain's Council of Economic Advisers. Additionally, I write regularly on economics for ARA.

Hosted by Lourdes Fàbrega, Coordinator or the Gender Equality and Diversity Committee and Vicedirector of the Institute

If you want to meet the speaker, please contact the host, Lourdes Fàbrega, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.