Understanding the ‘Family Gap’ in Pay for Women with Children

• DOI: 10.1257/jep.12.1.137
• Publication Date: 2011-08-19T16:46:37Z
• Authors: Jane Waldfogel
• Keywords: Gender Pay Gap; Family Leave; Raising (metalworking); Parental Leave

As the gender gap in pay between women and men has been narrowing, 'family gap' mothers nonmothers widening. One reason may be institutional structure United States, which emphasized equal opportunity policies but not family policies, contrast to other countries that have implemented both. The authors now evidence on links one such policy women's pay. Recent research suggests maternity leave coverage, by raising retention after childbirth, also raises levels of work experience, job tenure,