Podcast Summary
Study reveals gender bias in school communication responses: A study found that schools were more likely to respond to emails from women, highlighting the prevalence of unconscious biases and the importance of addressing them for equality and fairness.
A study revealed that schools were 40% more likely to call back when contacted by a woman, even when the contact information was for a fictional parent. This experiment, which involved sending thousands of schools an email from fictional parents, aimed to test bias in communication responses. The findings shed light on the prevalence of gender bias, even in seemingly neutral contexts. This research highlights the importance of addressing and challenging unconscious biases to promote equality and fairness. The Planet Money team shared this intriguing study during their inaugural Econ Paper Club segment, where they discuss fascinating economics papers to help listeners understand the world around them. This particular paper not only provided insights into human behavior but also emphasized the significance of being aware of and addressing biases. The team at Planet Money encourages listeners to explore economics papers and gain a deeper understanding of the world by learning to decipher the data and formulas hidden within them. For those interested in investing, they recommend checking out GlobalX ETFs, which specialize in exchange-traded funds that track emerging trends and generate income potential.
Study reveals gender bias in school communications: Studies show schools contacting mothers more often, impacting women's roles in workforce through interruptions and biases
A study titled "Are you gonna call? Gender inequality in external demands for parental involvement" revealed that schools often contact mothers instead of fathers, despite both parents being equally involved in heterosexual households. This phenomenon, though seemingly small, can have significant implications for gender equality in the workforce. The study's author, Laura, explained that she often feels the need to answer unknown calls due to potential concerns about her child. This study highlights how external expectations can impact women's roles in the workforce, leading to interruptions and biases. The next paper discussion in the econ paper club will be on a study about gender gaps and career advice.
Gender bias in career advice on networking sites: Studies show professionals give more cautionary advice to women with traditionally female names, reinforcing gender stereotypes and potentially limiting women's career opportunities
Gender bias can influence career advice, even on professional networking platforms. In a study that involved college students using a real online networking site with uniform profiles, researchers found that professionals were more likely to give cautionary advice to students with traditionally female names about demanding careers. This suggests that gender stereotypes may impact the way career advice is given, potentially steering women towards less challenging fields due to assumptions about family responsibilities. Economist Laura G., who recommended the paper, was deeply affected by the findings and recognized her own role in perpetuating this bias. This study underscores the importance of being aware of and challenging unconscious biases in career advice.
Catering to students' unique needs in career advice: Professors and advisors should consider students' individual circumstances and goals when giving career advice, not just their own perspectives or biases.
Career advice given to students, particularly in academic fields, can unintentionally reflect the advisors' perspectives and biases, often without considering the students' individual circumstances or goals. Laura, a professor, shared her experience of checking in with colleagues to ensure they're providing advice that caters to students' unique needs, especially regarding family and lifestyle considerations. Yana Galen, an economist and co-author of a career advice study, acknowledged this issue and shared her personal experience of prioritizing lifestyle factors during her job interviews without realizing it. Yana's recommended paper, "The Mommy Effect," highlights the importance of considering the broader implications of career choices and how they may impact various aspects of one's life, not just academic success. This conversation emphasizes the need for thoughtful, inclusive, and student-centered career advice.
The Mommy Effect: Women's Underestimation of Motherhood's Impact on Their Careers: Women, especially the educated ones, underestimate the challenges and costs of balancing work and motherhood, leading to many leaving the workforce within a year, with a 30% lower employment rate.
The "Mommy Effect" paper reveals a significant disconnect between women's expectations and the realities of motherhood's impact on their careers. The study, which analyzed data from various surveys in the US and UK, found that women, particularly educated ones, underestimate the challenges and costs associated with balancing work and motherhood. As a result, many women leave the workforce within a year of having a child, with 30% less likely to still be employed. Economists like Yana, who specialize in labor economics, find this study groundbreaking because it challenges the assumption that people's preferences remain constant. Instead, this research suggests that the arrival of a child can significantly alter priorities and labor market earnings, a factor that should be considered in economic models.
Balancing Greedy Jobs and Family Life: Challenges for Women: Economist Claudia Goldin's research reveals that 'greedy jobs' demanding excessive time and long hours create challenges for women to maintain careers once they have children, with lawyers being a notable example, where 25% of women go part-time or leave the labor force compared to only 2% of men.
That economist Claudia Goldin's work, which was cited in several papers discussed, highlights the challenges of balancing "greedy jobs" and family life. These jobs demand excessive time and incentivize long hours, often making it difficult for both parents to maintain such demanding careers once a child enters the picture. According to Goldin's research, this is particularly evident among lawyers, where 25% of women go part-time or leave the labor force compared to only 2% of men. This disparity illustrates the ongoing struggle for gender equity in the workforce. Goldin, an economic historian at Harvard University, approaches her research as a detective, seeking answers to various questions, including those related to motherhood and the economy. Her book "Career and Family, Women's Century Long Journey, Toward Equity," provides valuable insights into this issue.
Making jobs more flexible reduces gender wage gaps: Making jobs more flexible, particularly in team-oriented industries, can help reduce gender wage gaps without sacrificing financial success. Economist Claudia Goldin emphasizes the importance of this step, but notes that overcoming deeply ingrained social norms is a gradual process.
Making jobs more flexible, particularly in industries where teamwork and substitutability are common, can help reduce gender wage gaps without sacrificing financial success. Pharmacists serve as an example, as they often work in teams and experience minimal financial penalties when going part-time. Economist Claudia Goldin emphasizes that while making jobs more flexible is a crucial step, overcoming deeply ingrained social norms that make switching gender roles difficult is a more gradual process. Economists, who are often at the mid-career stage with young families, have shown great interest in research related to this issue, and a new generation of economists is emerging, inspired by Goldin's work and addressing these challenges in their own research.
