Sticky floors or glass ceilings? The role of human capital, working time flexibility and discrimination in the gender wage gap

Despite changes in social norms and policies, on average across 25 European countries, there remains a gap of around 15% hourly earnings between similarly-qualified men women. This raises inequality limits growth by preventing women from reaching their full labour market potential. Using individual-level data, this paper quantifies the main drivers gender wage gaps with view to devising effective policies reduce them. The findings suggest that, average, “sticky floors” related norms, stereotyping discrimination account for 40% gap, while “glass ceiling” motherhood penalty accounts 60%. importance is especially large most Northern Western explain major part Central Eastern countries. These results imply that countries need prioritise address penalty, such as further promoting flexitime telework supporting early childcare. Most well Southern where are more important, additionally equal pay transparency laws, measures stereotyping, competition product markets, higher floors they currently low.