How to close the gender pay gap in Europe : Towards the gender mainstreaming of pay policy

TitleHow to close the gender pay gap in Europe : Towards the gender mainstreaming of pay policy
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2005
AuthorsRubery, J, Grimshaw, D, Figueiredo, H
JournalIndustrial Relations Journal
Volume36
Pagination184–213
ISSN0019-8692
Abstract

The European Employment Strategy includes a new commitment to a substantial reduction in the gender pay gap in European Union (EU) member states, but progress requires a radical shift away from the traditional policy emphasis on the supply‐side deficiencies of women compared with men. Mainstream theory argues that gender inequality is reduced once the pay gap is ‘adjusted' for differences in individual characteristics (education, experience, etc.). But new empirical studies in many EU member states demonstrate that the work environment—the general wage structure, job and workplace characteristics—shapes gender pay inequality. Given the negative gender impact of trend declines in minimum wages, moves towards more decentralisation of wage‐setting and public sector restructuring, the article argues for a holistic, gender mainstreaming approach to pay policy.

DOI10.1111/j.1468-2338.2005.00353.x

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