Gender earning gaps around the world: a study of 64 countries

an article by Hugo Ñopo and Nancy Daza (Economic Studies Unit, National Planning Department, Bogotá, Colombia) and Johanna Ramos (Office of Evaluation and Oversight, Inter-American Development Bank, USA) published in International Journal of Manpower Volume 33 Issue 5 (2012)

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze gender disparities in labour earnings for a comprehensive set of 64 countries.
Design/methodology/approach
Using the methodological approach proposed by Ñopo, socio-demographic characteristics are used to match males and females such that gender earnings disparities are computed only among individuals with the same observable characteristics.
Findings
Disparities are partially attributed to gender differences in observable socio-demographic and job characteristics. After matching males and females with the same characteristics, the authors found that the earnings gap falls within a range between 8 per cent and 48 per cent of average females’ earnings, being more pronounced in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. The unexplained earnings gaps are more pronounced among part-time workers and those with low education levels.
Originality/value
This paper presents a comprehensive view of gender earnings gaps in the world, simultaneously exploring many of the issues highlighted in the related literature. It adds value by exploring gender gaps in a comparative perspective, applying the same methods for several different countries.

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