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

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze gender disparities in labor 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.

Citation

Ñopo, H., Daza, N. and Ramos, J. (2012), "Gender earning gaps around the world: a study of 64 countries", International Journal of Manpower, Vol. 33 No. 5, pp. 464-513. https://doi.org/10.1108/01437721211253164