wage differentials

• In developed countries, what has been happening to the gap between male and female pay?

  It has been reducing significantly.
• What factors have contributed to the reduction in the gender pay gap in developed countries?

  Legislation and regulation making pay more equalized.
• Globally, what is the trend regarding the gap between male and female pay?

  The gap is widening.
• What is one factual reason behind the wage differential between men and women?

  Women tend to be in and out of the labor force more.
• What is the primary reason women tend to be in and out of the labor force more than men?

  Childbearing.
• How does childbearing potentially impact a woman's skills and experience in the workforce?

  Skills may not develop and experience may not be gained.
• What happens to a woman's MRP when she takes time out of work to raise children?

  It is reducing.
• How can taking time off to raise children affect a woman's future earning potential?

  It can limit future earning potential.
• How does men's attachment to the workforce compare to women's attachment, according to the text?

  Males are more attached to the workforce.
• According to the text, what does evidence suggest about women who have children compared to those who don't in terms of wages?

  Women without children earn higher wages.
• Who is more impacted by the effects of taking time out of the labor force?

  Women with low skills.
• Even if women stay in the labor force, how do their wages compare to men's wages?

  They tend to have lower wages.
• At what age do people typically "push on" with their careers and jobs?

  Late 20s and early 30s.
• How does exiting the labor force during one's late 20s or early 30s affect wage prospects?

  It significantly limits wage prospects.
• Does the argument about limited educational opportunities for women hold in developed countries today?

  Not necessarily.
• Where might the argument about limited educational opportunities for women still hold?

  In developing countries.
• What is the impact of differing skills and qualifications on the wage gap?

  It causes a wage differential.
• What type of occupations do women tend to end up in?

  Low paid occupations.
• What is a common characteristic of the occupations women tend to work in?

  Often part-time.
• Why do women like the part-time flexibility of some occupations?

  It allows them to spend more time with children.
• How does part-time work often affect hourly pay compared to full-time occupations?

  It may pay less hourly.
• What is one sector where many women tend to work?

  Service sector work.
• How are the demands and skills required in service sector jobs, relative to other sectors?

  The demands and skills are not so high.
• How does the lower demand of skills affect wage potential?

  It can lower wage potential.
• What other sector do a lot of women end up working in?

  Public sector work.
• Why do public sector professions tend to pay less?

  Governments want to control inflationary pressure.
• What is the effect of many women working in public sector professions on their earning potential?

  It limits their earning potential.
• What is the element of vocational work?

  An emotional/spiritual calling.
• What vocational professions were cited in the text?

  Teaching and nursing.
• How does the vocational aspect of a profession affect wages?

  Wages will be kept low.
• Why is it hard to organize trade unions in part-time work and service sector work?

  These are big employers of women.
• What is the impact of low trade union presence on wages in female-dominated professions?

  It limits bargaining for higher wages.
• How has the increased supply of female workers potentially affected wages?

  It will often drive down wages.
• What does the text say about how easy it is for women to enter the labor force in developed countries?

  It's become much easier.
• What is meant by 'ceteris paribus'?

  Other things being equal.
• Besides economic factors, what other potential reason exists for the wage differential?

  Discrimination.
• Even with laws against sex discrimination, what might still be happening in labor markets?

  Discrimination may still be taking place.
• When did the UK implement acts preventing sex discrimination?

  Since the 1970s.
• If discrimination takes place to any extent, how does it affect the wage differential?

  It could be the reason behind it.
• What happens if there is an increase in supply?

  That will often drive down the price.