A new study finds that lower fertility in the United States helped narrow the gender pay gap. Researchers estimate that eight percent of the gap's narrowing came from women having fewer children. The study used a large national dataset on workers' family sizes and earnings over time and was published in Social Forces with partial support from the National Institutes of Health.
The researchers report that average family size fell from about 2.4 children in the mid-1980s to about 1.8 by 2000. In the same period, women's hourly pay rose from roughly 65% of men's pay to about 85%.
The study says motherhood often leads to wage losses because many mothers take time out of work or move to part-time. The authors suggest public investment in affordable child care and policies that help fathers share caregiving.
Difficult words
- fertility — number of children born to women
- gender pay gap — difference in pay between women and men
- estimate — give a number or value that is not exact
- dataset — collection of information used for study
- pay — money a worker receives for their work
- part-time — work with fewer hours than full-time
- motherhood — state of being a mother
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think affordable child care is helpful for working parents? Why?
- Have you or someone you know moved to part-time work after having children? Describe briefly.
- Should fathers also share caregiving at home? Why or why not?
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