Gender Job Satisfaction Paradox in Europe

Abstract

This study uses the latest pan-European job satisfaction data – EU-SILC data from 2018 – to examine whether gender differences in job characteristics scores can be associated with higher job satisfaction among women. The results confirm higher female job satisfaction, but this difference is entirely due to gender differences in job characteristics, mainly higher shares in health and education, with higher job-content motivation for work. The analysis of gender differences in evaluations of job characteristics shows that for men, a permanent job, higher wages, and longer working hours are much more important determinants of job satisfaction than for women, which is consistent with their traditional role as “breadwinners”. On the other hand, the use of skills at work and job content are more important determinants of job satisfaction for women than for men. Moreover, men compensate for poorer working conditions in low-skilled occupations by finding these jobs compatible with their gender roles.