EXTRA: Nobel Laureate Claudia Goldin on "Greedy Work" and the Wage Gap
Oct 9, 2023
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Claudia Goldin, a Nobel laureate in Economics and professor at Harvard, delves into the gender wage gap and the complexities surrounding it. She discusses how inflexible jobs and family duties hinder women's earning potential. Goldin highlights the concept of 'greedy work' and the uneven distribution of household labor, especially during COVID-19. She advocates for policies like universal preschool and equitable parental leave. Additionally, Goldin shares insights on negotiating careers and the historical barriers women faced in economics, blending personal stories with broader societal implications.
The gender wage gap is influenced by factors beyond just the 59 to 82 cents ratio, such as education and individual career choices.
The concept of 'greedy work'—occupations requiring long hours and inflexible schedules—contributes significantly to the gender wage gap.
Deep dives
Gender wage gap and the measure of equality
The podcast episode discusses the gender wage gap, specifically focusing on the 59 to 82 cents ratio that is often mentioned. The guest explains that this ratio is derived from comparing the median income of full-time male and female workers. However, she also points out that this measure does not take into account other factors such as education or individual career choices. She further explains that the gender wage gap varied over time, increasing significantly in the 1980s before slowly creeping up in recent years.
Occupational gender segregation
The podcast explores the concept of occupational gender segregation, referring to the different distributions of men and women in various fields and industries. It is noted that while there is some level of forceful segregation, individuals may also opt for certain professions based on personal preferences and the characteristics of the job, such as flexibility or work-life balance. The guest emphasizes that occupational segregation has decreased over time and its impact on the gender wage gap is relatively small compared to factors such as differences in earnings within occupations.
The role of "greedy work" in the gender wage gap
The podcast delves into the concept of "greedy work," referring to occupations that require long hours, inflexible schedules, and high commitment. The guest argues that this type of work, which often yields higher earnings, contributes significantly to the gender wage gap. Women tend to opt for more flexible jobs that offer work-life balance, while men often dominate the high-paying, high-demand jobs that require extensive availability and sacrifices. The guest highlights the need to address these disparities in work schedules and the penalties faced by individuals, particularly women, who deviate from the demanding expectations of greedy jobs.
Addressing gender wage equality
The podcast concludes with a discussion on possible solutions to address the gender wage gap. The guest suggests that changing gender norms and roles within households, providing subsidized childcare, and creating policies that promote work flexibility and reduced work hours could help reduce the gap. The impact of COVID-19 is also highlighted, as it has disrupted traditional work norms and potentially opened up opportunities for more flexible work arrangements. The guest predicts that if these changes persist, they could result in significant progress towards gender wage equality.
Claudia Goldin is the newest winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics. Steve spoke to her in 2021 about how inflexible jobs and family responsibilities make it harder for women to earn wages equal to their male counterparts.
SOURCES:
Claudia Goldin, professor of economics at Harvard University.
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