Cyclical dynamics and the gender pay gap: A structural VAR approach

Kovalenko T, Töpfer M (2021)

Publication Language: English

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2021

Journal

Economic Modelling Elsevier

Book Volume: 99

Journal Issue: 6

DOI: 10.1016/j.econmod.2021.03.007

Abstract

Gender pay gaps persist worldwide despite political emphasis to close them. The literature found various drivers of the gaps but remained vastly silent about the role of cyclical dynamics. Using quarterly US data over the period 1979-2019, we study the effects of cyclical dynamics on the gender pay gap based on a structural vector auto-regression model with zero and sign restrictions. The results suggest that technology shocks lead to lower levels of the gender pay gap in the medium run, while higher wage bargaining power reduces the gap in the short run. However, these reductions of the gap come at the cost of increased unemployment. As a policy implication, these results imply a trade-off between lower gender pay gaps and higher unemployment.

Authors with CRIS profile

Tim Kovalenko Lehrstuhl für Volkswirtschaftslehre, insbesondere Arbeitsmarkt- und Regionalpolitik Marina Bonaccolto-Töpfer Lehrstuhl für Volkswirtschaftslehre, insbesondere Arbeitsmarkt- und Regionalpolitik

How to cite

APA:

Kovalenko, T., & Töpfer, M. (2021). Cyclical dynamics and the gender pay gap: A structural VAR approach. Economic Modelling, 99(6). https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.econmod.2021.03.007

MLA:

Kovalenko, Tim, and Marina Töpfer. "Cyclical dynamics and the gender pay gap: A structural VAR approach." Economic Modelling 99.6 (2021).

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