a column by Nobuaki Hamaguchi and Keisuke Kondo for VOX: CEPR&rsquo's Policy Portal
Computerisation and robotics have had a profound effect on labour markets.
Using data from Japan, this column finds that female workers are more exposed to risks of computerisation than male workers, and that this tendency is more pronounced in larger cities. The results suggest that supporting additional human capital investment alone is not enough as a risk alleviation strategy against new technology.
Policymakers need to address structural labour market issues, such as gender biases in career progression and participation in decision-making positions.
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Showing posts with label gender_equality. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gender_equality. Show all posts
Tuesday, 16 April 2019
Wednesday, 27 March 2019
Gender disparities in European labour markets: A comparison of conditions for men and women in paid employment
an article by Rosalia Castellano and Antonella Rocca (Parthenope University of Naples, Italy) published in International Labour Review Volume 157 Number 4 (December 2018)
Abstract
Although the dramatic increase in female labour force participation in recent decades has been connected to significant changes in economic opportunities for women, gender disparities in the labour market persist in many forms.
This article seeks to assess whether higher gender differentials in European labour markets are directly related to poor economic conditions.
To this end, the results of a composite indicator designed and developed by the authors in a previous study are updated and three new composite indicators are constructed for a separate analysis of female and male labour market conditions and gender gap for paid employment.
Full text (PDF 20pp)
Abstract
Although the dramatic increase in female labour force participation in recent decades has been connected to significant changes in economic opportunities for women, gender disparities in the labour market persist in many forms.
This article seeks to assess whether higher gender differentials in European labour markets are directly related to poor economic conditions.
To this end, the results of a composite indicator designed and developed by the authors in a previous study are updated and three new composite indicators are constructed for a separate analysis of female and male labour market conditions and gender gap for paid employment.
Full text (PDF 20pp)
Tuesday, 19 March 2019
‘Playing the victim’ is politically vital and morally serious
a post by Ashwini Vasanthakumar for the Big Think blog
Victims are moral agents rather than moral patients.
Those who speak out against bad treatment are often dismissed as 'playing the victim', accused of dwelling on imagined slights or indulging in an exaggerated sense of grievance. In the face of ridicule or, worse, the threat of violence, it would be easier to keep quiet. And yet, victims of injustice often do speak up: far from any desire for glory, they are often morally motivated, and act from a sense of duty.
Someone who is subjected to demeaning treatment might owe it to herself to protest and to undermine the apparatus of assumptions, stereotypes and norms that enable this treatment. But, importantly, she might also owe it to others who are vulnerable to similar treatment — fellow victims — to resist the injustices they face collectively and repeatedly. This is especially the case for what the US political theorist Iris Marion Young in 2003 called structural injustices, which are perpetuated through seemingly benign institutions, everyday practices, background assumptions and expected behaviours. Even where there is no explicit discriminatory policy, in fact when such discrimination is publicly, repeatedly and earnestly disavowed, oppression on the basis of, for example, class, race and sex prevails.
Continue reading
Victims are moral agents rather than moral patients.
Those who speak out against bad treatment are often dismissed as 'playing the victim', accused of dwelling on imagined slights or indulging in an exaggerated sense of grievance. In the face of ridicule or, worse, the threat of violence, it would be easier to keep quiet. And yet, victims of injustice often do speak up: far from any desire for glory, they are often morally motivated, and act from a sense of duty.
Someone who is subjected to demeaning treatment might owe it to herself to protest and to undermine the apparatus of assumptions, stereotypes and norms that enable this treatment. But, importantly, she might also owe it to others who are vulnerable to similar treatment — fellow victims — to resist the injustices they face collectively and repeatedly. This is especially the case for what the US political theorist Iris Marion Young in 2003 called structural injustices, which are perpetuated through seemingly benign institutions, everyday practices, background assumptions and expected behaviours. Even where there is no explicit discriminatory policy, in fact when such discrimination is publicly, repeatedly and earnestly disavowed, oppression on the basis of, for example, class, race and sex prevails.
Continue reading
Monday, 17 December 2018
The family working-time model: Towards more gender equality in work and care
an article by Kai-Uwe Müller, Michael Neumann and Katharina Wrohlich (German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin), Germany) published in Journal of European Social Policy Volume 28 Issue 5 (December 2018)
Abstract
Since the millennium, the labour market participation of women and mothers is increasing across European countries. Several work/care policy measures underlie this evolution.
At the same time, the labour market behaviour of fathers, as well as their involvement in care work, is relatively unchanging, meaning that employed mothers are facing an increased burden with respect to gainful employment and providing care.
We propose a family working-time model that incentivizes fathers and mothers to both work in extended part-time employment. It provides a benefit in the form of a lump-sum transfer or income replacement for each parent if, and only if, both parents work 30 hours/week. Thus, it explicitly addresses fathers and – contrary to most conventional family policies – actively promotes the dual earner/dual carer paradigm.
Combining microsimulation and labour supply estimation, we empirically analyse the potential of the family working-time model in the German context. The relatively small share of families already choosing the symmetric distribution of about 30 working hours would increase by 60 percent.
By showing that a lump-sum transfer especially benefits low-income families, we contribute to the debate about redistributive implications of family policies. The basic principles of the model generalize to other European countries where families increasingly desire an equal distribution of employment and care.
In order to enhance the impact of such a policy, employers’ norms and workplace culture as well as the supply of high-quality childcare must catch up with changing workforce preferences.
Abstract
Since the millennium, the labour market participation of women and mothers is increasing across European countries. Several work/care policy measures underlie this evolution.
At the same time, the labour market behaviour of fathers, as well as their involvement in care work, is relatively unchanging, meaning that employed mothers are facing an increased burden with respect to gainful employment and providing care.
We propose a family working-time model that incentivizes fathers and mothers to both work in extended part-time employment. It provides a benefit in the form of a lump-sum transfer or income replacement for each parent if, and only if, both parents work 30 hours/week. Thus, it explicitly addresses fathers and – contrary to most conventional family policies – actively promotes the dual earner/dual carer paradigm.
Combining microsimulation and labour supply estimation, we empirically analyse the potential of the family working-time model in the German context. The relatively small share of families already choosing the symmetric distribution of about 30 working hours would increase by 60 percent.
By showing that a lump-sum transfer especially benefits low-income families, we contribute to the debate about redistributive implications of family policies. The basic principles of the model generalize to other European countries where families increasingly desire an equal distribution of employment and care.
In order to enhance the impact of such a policy, employers’ norms and workplace culture as well as the supply of high-quality childcare must catch up with changing workforce preferences.
Wednesday, 1 November 2017
The Pursuit of Gender Equality: an uphill battle
The 2017 OECD report The Pursuit of Gender Equality: An Uphill Battle explores how gender inequalities persist in social and economic life around the world.
Young women in OECD countries have more years of schooling than young men, on average, but women are less still likely to engage in paid work. Gaps widen with age, as motherhood typically has negative effects on women's pay and career advancement.
Women are also less likely to be entrepreneurs, and are under-represented in private and public leadership.
In the face of these challenges, this report assesses whether (and how) countries are closing gender gaps in education, employment, entrepreneurship, and public life. The report presents a range of statistics on gender gaps, reviews public policies targeting gender inequality, and offers key policy recommendations.
How does the United Kingdom compare?
Read it for yourself here
Young women in OECD countries have more years of schooling than young men, on average, but women are less still likely to engage in paid work. Gaps widen with age, as motherhood typically has negative effects on women's pay and career advancement.
Women are also less likely to be entrepreneurs, and are under-represented in private and public leadership.
In the face of these challenges, this report assesses whether (and how) countries are closing gender gaps in education, employment, entrepreneurship, and public life. The report presents a range of statistics on gender gaps, reviews public policies targeting gender inequality, and offers key policy recommendations.
How does the United Kingdom compare?
Read it for yourself here
Friday, 17 March 2017
Where gender equality remains a myth, minority representation of women in architecture
an article by Graham Cole (Halifax, UK) published in Human Resource Management International Digest Volume 25 Issue 2 (2017)
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.
Design/methodology/approach
This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.
Findings
Achieving equal opportunity for all was one of the driving forces behind the creation of the European Union (EU) in the mid-twentieth century.
In its different guises since then, the constitution has issued various directives pertaining to the issue. Member nations are thus expected to comply with the principles outlined in them.
Key to this arrangement is that countries are empowered to choose their own way of meeting equality objectives. Where gender equality in the context of work is concerned, it appears that progress has been minimal at best.
One might argue that paying lip service to EU Directives is as good as it gets in many cases.
The number of professions which are still firmly male-dominated is ample testimony to such notions.
Originality/value
The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.
Design/methodology/approach
This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.
Findings
Achieving equal opportunity for all was one of the driving forces behind the creation of the European Union (EU) in the mid-twentieth century.
In its different guises since then, the constitution has issued various directives pertaining to the issue. Member nations are thus expected to comply with the principles outlined in them.
Key to this arrangement is that countries are empowered to choose their own way of meeting equality objectives. Where gender equality in the context of work is concerned, it appears that progress has been minimal at best.
One might argue that paying lip service to EU Directives is as good as it gets in many cases.
The number of professions which are still firmly male-dominated is ample testimony to such notions.
Originality/value
The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.
Tuesday, 11 November 2014
Women in the criminal justice system: The triumph of inertia
an article by Elaine Player (King’s College London, UK) published in Criminology and Criminal Justice Volume 14 Number 3 (July 2014)
Abstract
This article explores why the government strategy for women offenders has failed to achieve its key objectives despite extensive agreement about the need and direction of change and the momentum generated by the Corston Report.
It argues that although the women’s policy agenda is supported by equality and human rights legislation, the operational context of the criminal justice system inhibits its realisation. The reforms recognise the need for differential treatment in the pursuit of gender equality and reflect principles of distributive and non-distributive justice that promote individual welfare and social inclusion.
Paradoxically, they are advanced within a criminal justice system that is predominantly concerned with the distribution of just deserts and the management of criminal risk. The inherent contradictions reflect not only theoretical differences but distinct ideological constructs that shape the ways in which concepts of equality, rehabilitation and justice are interpreted and given practical effect.
The agreed policy of equal justice for women requires a culture of rights that undermines the present concepts of desert and ‘less eligibility’ and replaces risk management with rehabilitative opportunities that provide a reparative approach to social harm.
Abstract
This article explores why the government strategy for women offenders has failed to achieve its key objectives despite extensive agreement about the need and direction of change and the momentum generated by the Corston Report.
It argues that although the women’s policy agenda is supported by equality and human rights legislation, the operational context of the criminal justice system inhibits its realisation. The reforms recognise the need for differential treatment in the pursuit of gender equality and reflect principles of distributive and non-distributive justice that promote individual welfare and social inclusion.
Paradoxically, they are advanced within a criminal justice system that is predominantly concerned with the distribution of just deserts and the management of criminal risk. The inherent contradictions reflect not only theoretical differences but distinct ideological constructs that shape the ways in which concepts of equality, rehabilitation and justice are interpreted and given practical effect.
The agreed policy of equal justice for women requires a culture of rights that undermines the present concepts of desert and ‘less eligibility’ and replaces risk management with rehabilitative opportunities that provide a reparative approach to social harm.
Monday, 24 December 2012
Parental leave regulations and the persistence of the male breadwinner model: Using fuzzy-set ideal type analysis to assess gender equality in an enlarged Europe
an article by Rossella Ciccia and Mieke Verloo (Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands) published in Journal of European Social Policy Volume 22 Number 5 (December 2012)
Abstract
This paper uses fuzzy-set ideal type analysis to assess the conformity of European leave regulations to four theoretical ideal typical divisions of labour: male breadwinner, caregiver parity, universal breadwinner and universal caregiver.
In contrast to the majority of previous studies, the focus of this analysis is on the extent to which leave regulations promote gender equality in the family and the transformation of traditional gender roles. The results of this analysis demonstrate that European countries cluster into five models that only partly coincide with countries’ geographical proximity.
Second, none of the countries considered constitutes a universal caregiver model, while the male breadwinner ideal continues to provide the normative reference point for parental leave regulations in a large number of European states.
Finally, we witness a growing emphasis at the national and EU levels concerning the universal breadwinner ideal, which leaves gender inequality in unpaid work unproblematized.
Abstract
This paper uses fuzzy-set ideal type analysis to assess the conformity of European leave regulations to four theoretical ideal typical divisions of labour: male breadwinner, caregiver parity, universal breadwinner and universal caregiver.
In contrast to the majority of previous studies, the focus of this analysis is on the extent to which leave regulations promote gender equality in the family and the transformation of traditional gender roles. The results of this analysis demonstrate that European countries cluster into five models that only partly coincide with countries’ geographical proximity.
Second, none of the countries considered constitutes a universal caregiver model, while the male breadwinner ideal continues to provide the normative reference point for parental leave regulations in a large number of European states.
Finally, we witness a growing emphasis at the national and EU levels concerning the universal breadwinner ideal, which leaves gender inequality in unpaid work unproblematized.
Monday, 20 August 2012
Non-traditional dual earners in Norway: when does she work at least as much as he?
an article by Ragni Hege Kitterød and Marit Rønsen (Statistics Norway) published in Work Employment & Society Volume 26 Number 4 (August 2012)
Abstract
An equal division of paid and unpaid work in couples is a central political ambition in many countries.
Utilizing a survey from 2007, this article finds that many Norwegian women perform approximately as much paid work as their partner. Still, few work more than their partners and about half work less than them.
Domestic commitments as well as the partners’ labour market resources affect women’s allocation of paid work, but the highly gender-segregated labour market also plays an important role.
When the woman works most, her spouse often has health problems, is unemployed or retired.
In dual-earner couples women with longer hours than their partner are often well educated, self-employed, managers, have no young children or a partner in the public sector.
Women with young children or health restrictions often work less than their partner, as do those with a partner who is self-employed, holds a managerial position or a private-sector job.
Abstract
An equal division of paid and unpaid work in couples is a central political ambition in many countries.
Utilizing a survey from 2007, this article finds that many Norwegian women perform approximately as much paid work as their partner. Still, few work more than their partners and about half work less than them.
Domestic commitments as well as the partners’ labour market resources affect women’s allocation of paid work, but the highly gender-segregated labour market also plays an important role.
When the woman works most, her spouse often has health problems, is unemployed or retired.
In dual-earner couples women with longer hours than their partner are often well educated, self-employed, managers, have no young children or a partner in the public sector.
Women with young children or health restrictions often work less than their partner, as do those with a partner who is self-employed, holds a managerial position or a private-sector job.
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