Hours, Occupations, and Gender Differences in Labor Market Outcomes

Abstract

Goldin (2014) offers a narrative in which gender differences in home production responsibilities create gender gaps in labor market outcomes. We carry out a model-based quantitative assessment of this narrative and find that it can account for a significant share of gender gaps in occupational choice, wages, and hours. Our analysis emphasizes the quantitative significance of two key elements not highlighted by Goldin: heterogeneity in comparative advantage and multimember households. Gender differences in nonmarket responsibilities have important aggregate effects on welfare and productivity, similar to those emphasized by Hsieh et al. (2019). (JEL J16, J22, J24, J31, J71)