Gender pay gap. Why do women still earn less than men?

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• 1 Introduction
• 1.1 Problem definition and target of the thesis
• 1.2 Research methodology and structure of the thesis
• 2 Position of women in the labour market
• 2.1 Historical overview
• 2.2 Women’s labour rights
• 2.2.1 European Union
• 2.2.2 Council of Europe
• 2.2.3 United Nations
• 3 Gender Pay Gap
• 3.1 Possible reasons for gender pay gap
• 3.1.1 Education-based occupational segregation
• 3.1.2 Maternity leave
• 3.1.3 Glass ceiling
• 3.1.4 Sticky floor
• 3.1.5 Unpaid care and domestic work
• 3.1.6 Negotiation skills
• 3.1.7 Competitiveness
• 3.1.8 How work is valued
• 3.2 Solutions for gender pay gap
• 3.2.1 Pay transparency
• 3.2.2 Investing into child care
• 3.2.3 Equalising parental leave
• 3.2.4 Gender balanced leadership
• 4 Survey on gender pay gap
• 4.1 Methodology
• 4.2 Research results
• 4.3 Research limitations

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This thesis aims to explore the historical development of the labor market concerning female workers and legal regulations against gender discrimination. It analyzes the gender pay gap in detail, differentiating between adjusted and unadjusted gaps, and provides a historical overview of pay inequality. The research investigates possible reasons for the gap, such as occupational segregation, negotiation skills, parental leave, and societal valuation of work. Finally, it explores potential solutions to close the gap and presents survey results reflecting public opinion on pay inequality.

• Historical overview of women's position in the labor market.
• Analysis of the gender pay gap, including adjusted and unadjusted measures.
• Examination of factors contributing to the gender pay gap.
• Exploration of solutions to address the gender pay gap.
• Presentation of survey findings on public perceptions of the gender pay gap.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

1 Introduction: This chapter introduces the thesis, highlighting the persistent gender pay gap and the need for a comprehensive understanding of its causes and potential solutions. It defines the scope of the research, outlines the methodology (a mixed-methods approach combining discourse analysis and a quantitative survey), and presents the structure of the thesis. The chapter also introduces three hypotheses to guide the research.

2 Position of women in the labour market: This chapter offers a historical overview of women's roles in the labor market, tracing their contributions from prehistory to the modern era. It examines how gender stereotypes have shaped their employment opportunities and compensation, showcasing examples of women who defied societal norms and achieved leadership roles throughout history, while simultaneously highlighting systemic disadvantages and evolving labor rights. The chapter further delves into legal frameworks protecting women's labor rights at the European Union, Council of Europe, and United Nations levels, emphasizing different strategies for gender equality.

3 Gender Pay Gap: This chapter delves into the complexities of the gender pay gap, analyzing its global prevalence and the limitations of current data collection methods. It distinguishes between adjusted and unadjusted pay gaps, demonstrating how the latter fails to account for factors that influence salary differences. The chapter then systematically explores various reasons for the persistent gender pay gap, addressing educational and occupational segregation, the motherhood penalty, the glass ceiling, the sticky floor, unpaid care work, negotiation skills, and the valuation of women's work. Finally, it discusses several potential solutions for closing the gap, such as legal regulations, pay transparency, equalizing parental leave, investing in childcare, and promoting gender-balanced leadership.

4 Survey on gender pay gap: This chapter details the methodology and results of a quantitative survey designed to gauge public perceptions of the gender pay gap. The chapter explains the survey design, including participant demographics and question types (closed-ended questions allowing for multiple selections or ratings of agreement). The analysis focuses on comparing responses from male and female participants on issues such as education and career paths, salary negotiation, childcare access, and views on the severity and potential solutions to the gender pay gap. The chapter also discusses limitations of the study’s methodology and sample size.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

labour market, female workers, gender pay gap, inequality, glass ceiling, sticky floor, childcare, occupational segregation, legal regulations, pay transparency, family leave, female leaders, mixed methods, motherhood penalty, glass escalator, negotiation skills, competitiveness, societal valuation of work, discrimination, stereotypes.

Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of the Gender Pay Gap

What is the main topic of this thesis?

This thesis comprehensively examines the gender pay gap, exploring its historical development, contributing factors, and potential solutions. It uses a mixed-methods approach, combining a review of existing literature and legal frameworks with a quantitative survey of public opinion.

What are the key themes explored in the thesis?

Key themes include the historical position of women in the labor market, the complexities of the gender pay gap (both adjusted and unadjusted), factors contributing to the gap (occupational segregation, motherhood penalty, glass ceiling, sticky floor, unpaid care work, negotiation skills, and societal valuation of work), and potential solutions (pay transparency, equal parental leave, investment in childcare, gender-balanced leadership).

What methodology is used in this research?

The research employs a mixed-methods approach. This includes a thorough review of historical data and existing legal frameworks surrounding women's labor rights (discourse analysis), complemented by a quantitative survey to gauge public perceptions of the gender pay gap.

What are the main findings of the survey on the gender pay gap?

The survey results, detailed in Chapter 4, compare responses from male and female participants on various issues related to the gender pay gap. These issues include education and career paths, salary negotiation, childcare access, and views on the severity and potential solutions to the pay gap. Limitations of the study's methodology and sample size are also discussed.

What are some of the factors contributing to the gender pay gap identified in the thesis?

The thesis identifies several factors contributing to the gender pay gap, including education-based occupational segregation, maternity leave, the glass ceiling, the sticky floor, unpaid care and domestic work, differences in negotiation skills, how work is valued by society, and competitiveness.

What solutions are proposed to address the gender pay gap?

Potential solutions explored include pay transparency, investing in childcare, equalizing parental leave, and promoting gender-balanced leadership. The thesis also discusses the importance of legal regulations aimed at addressing gender discrimination in the workplace.

What is the structure of the thesis?

The thesis is structured into four chapters: an introduction outlining the research problem and methodology; a chapter on the historical position of women in the labor market; a chapter on the gender pay gap, its causes, and potential solutions; and finally, a chapter presenting the results and limitations of a survey on public perceptions of the gender pay gap.

What is the historical context provided in the thesis?

Chapter 2 provides a historical overview of women's roles in the labor market, tracing their contributions from prehistory to the present day. It examines how gender stereotypes have shaped employment opportunities and compensation, highlighting both systemic disadvantages and evolving labor rights.

What legal frameworks are discussed in relation to women's labor rights?

The thesis examines legal frameworks protecting women's labor rights at the European Union, Council of Europe, and United Nations levels, emphasizing different strategies for gender equality.

What are the key words associated with this thesis?

Key words include: labor market, female workers, gender pay gap, inequality, glass ceiling, sticky floor, childcare, occupational segregation, legal regulations, pay transparency, family leave, female leaders, mixed methods, motherhood penalty, glass escalator, negotiation skills, competitiveness, societal valuation of work, discrimination, stereotypes.