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Ichino, Andrea, and
Enrico Moretti. 2009. "Biological Gender Differences, Absenteeism, and the Earnings Gap."
,
1(1): 183-218.
Show Article Details
DOI: 10.1257/app.1.1.183
Abstract:In most countries, women are absent from work more frequently
than men. Using personnel data, we find that the absences of women
below the age of 45 follow a 28-day cycle, while the absences of
men and of women over the age of 45 do not. We interpret this as
evidence that the menstrual cycle increases female absenteeism. To
investigate the effect on women's earnings, we use a simple model of
statistical discrimination. Consistent with the model, we find absenteeism
has a more negative effect on men's earnings and this difference
declines with seniority. The increased absenteeism induced by
the 28-day cycle explains at least 14 percent of the earnings gender
differential. (JEL J16, J22, J31)
Additional links:
Data Availability
Authors:
Ichino, Andrea (U Bologna)
Moretti, Enrico (U CA, Berkeley)
JEL Classifications:
J16: Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
J22: Time Allocation and Labor Supply
J31: Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials
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