Women at work : trends, current perspective and policy responses

Abstract

Women's increased involvement in the economy has been the most significant change in labour markets over the past century, resulting in clear gender convergence in human capital investment, employment prospects and outcomes. However, there are remaining gender gaps in pay and employment levels, as well as in the types of activities that men and women perform in the labour market. I discuss historical forces that eased female labour market entry, as well as current perspectives on the factors that hinder further convergence, including: (i) gender differences in preferences and psychological attributes, (ii) social norms and gender identity, and (iii) work-life balance considerations. I conclude with a discussion of policy responses and recent evaluations of family policies.