Gender and race inequalities among state and local level bureaucrats in Brazil

Abstract

This paper analyzes gender and race inequalities in wages and career progression among state and local-level bureaucrats in Brazil. It draws upon data from the Brazilian official report on labor activities Relação Anual de Informações Sociais (Rais) provided by Atlas do Estado Brasileiro and applies matching and regression techniques to estimate the effects of gender and race on wages and career progression chances. Findings show that there are still strong inequalities between men and women, and White and Black population. Considering the intersectionalities between gender and race, Black women are at the bottom of the wage and career hierarchy among both state and locallevel bureaucrats. Conversely, White men earn the highest wages and occupy the most prestigious career positions.