Publication type
ISER Working Paper Series
Series Number
2008-33
Series
ISER Working Paper Series
Author
Publication date
October 7, 2008
Abstract:
This paper proposes an explanation of sex-differences in job-allocation and pay. Job allocation calculations are considered to be related to 1) the distribution of housework
and 2) the skill-specialization requirements of jobs. Both elements combined generate a
particular incentive structure for each sex. Welfare policies and services can, however,
lower the risks of skill-depreciation for women as well as increase their intra-household
bargaining power, hence reducing the economic pay-offs of “traditional” spherespecialization by sex. The implications of this model for earnings are tested using data from the second round of the European Social Survey. Results seem consistent with the model predictions.
Subjects
Notes
working paper
Paper download#511798