Parenthood and Academic Career Trajectories

Anne Sophie Lassen, Ria Ivandic

Research output: Contribution to journalConference article in journalResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Women continue to be underrepresented in the field of economics, especially among permanent faculty. As parenthood is an important driver of gender inequality in the labor market, we study the impact of children on the academic careers of economists. We find no evidence of delayed or reduced fertility among researchers. Event study estimates reveal that both men's and women's career trajectories are affected by parenthood and face increasing attrition from universities. Men move into the broader research sector, while women leave research completely. We also find a gender gap in the promotion to tenured faculty in the years following parenthood.
Original languageEnglish
JournalAEA Papers and Proceedings
Volume114
Pages (from-to)238-242
Number of pages5
ISSN2574-0768
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2024
EventASSA 2024 Annual Meeting - San Antonio, United States
Duration: 5 Jan 20247 Jan 2024
https://www.aeaweb.org/conference/

Conference

ConferenceASSA 2024 Annual Meeting
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Antonio
Period05/01/202407/01/2024
Internet address

Keywords

  • Children
  • Economics
  • Economists
  • Fertility
  • Gender
  • Inequality
  • Labor markets
  • Promotion
  • Women

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