The rising cost of motherhood in Germany

Reductions in women's labour supply after childbirth remain a persistent driver of gender earnings inequality. Using data from West Germany from the 1960s to 2013, this column explores the evolution of the ‘child penalty’ – post-birth earnings reductions for mothers – in Germany. The child penalty increased over time because women are earning more, so the opportunity cost of motherhood has grown. Family policies can affect gender inequality through changing post-birth earnings decisions. Future research should examine how policies influence pre-birth choices and interact with gender norms over the long run.

cepr.org

The rising cost of motherhood in Germany

Reductions in women's labour supply after childbirth remain a persistent driver of gender earnings inequality. Using data from West Germany from the 1960s to 2013, this column explores the evolution of the ‘child penalty’ – post-birth earnings reductions for mothers – in Germany. The child penalty increased over time because women are earning more, so the opportunity cost of motherhood has grown. Family policies can affect gender inequality through changing post-birth earnings decisions. Future research should examine how policies influence pre-birth choices and interact with gender norms over the long run.

cepr.org

Positive Effects: Low-Skilled Migration and Public Finances in the USA

A study involving the University of St.Gallen challenges common assumptions about low-skilled migration in the United States. While mass deportations are being debated, the research suggests that even...

unisg.link

The evolution of child-related gender inequality in Germany and the role of family policies, 1960–2018

Using German administrative data from the 1960s onward, this paper (i) examines the long-term evolution of child-related gender inequality in earnings…

lmy.de