Measuring the effect of gender segregation on the gender gap in time-related underemployment

Abstract

This paper focuses on the impact that gender segregation in the labour market exerts on the underemployment gender gap for young adult workers in Spain. In order to analyse the relative importance of segregation in this gap, we develop a methodology based on two counterfactual simulations that provides a detailed decomposition of the gap into endowments and coefficients effects as well as the interaction of these effects. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to perform a decomposition using bivariate probit models with sample selection. Using annual samples of the Spanish Labour Force Survey 2006–2016, the results show that working in female-dominated occupations or industries hinders working as many hours as desired, especially for women. Furthermore, we conclude that the gender gap in underemployment is mainly due to the different distribution of male and female workers across occupations and industries. Additionally, the different impact by gender that working in the same gender-typing jobs exerts on the risk of underemployment contributes to widening the gap.

Underutilisation of Labour: Underemployment and Skills-Mismatch in Turkey

“…For example, women, especially women with children, are required to find a new job more quickly than men after leaving their jobs. There are several studies that found higher rates of underemployment among women (e.g., Acosta-Ballesteros et al, 2021;Jefferson & Preston, 2010;Jensen & Slack, 2003;Kamerade & Richardson, 2017;Mau & Kopischke, 2001). The fact that women concentrate on jobs which are usually part-time and low-paid and men get jobs which produce better rewards for similar qualifications is argued to be the main driver behind this pattern (Acosta-Ballesteros et al, 2021;Kamerade & Richardson, 2017).…”

“…There are several studies that found higher rates of underemployment among women (e.g., Acosta-Ballesteros et al, 2021;Jefferson & Preston, 2010;Jensen & Slack, 2003;Kamerade & Richardson, 2017;Mau & Kopischke, 2001). The fact that women concentrate on jobs which are usually part-time and low-paid and men get jobs which produce better rewards for similar qualifications is argued to be the main driver behind this pattern (Acosta-Ballesteros et al, 2021;Kamerade & Richardson, 2017). However, McKee-Ryan & Harvey (2011) pointed out that there are studies showing no relationship between sex and underemployment, such as in the USA, Belgium, England, Italy, Portugal, Spain and the Netherlands, or there are also studies showing higher underemployment rates for men such as in Portugal, the USA, Canada and the UK.…”

“…There is mixed evidence about the relation between underemployment and education level (McKee-Ryan & Harvey, 2011). There are studies showing the negative relationship between the level of education and underemployment in Spain (Acosta-Ballesteros et al, 2021), in the USA (Jensen & Slack, 2003), in Canada (Weststar, 2009) or in Australia (Doiron, 2003). Acosta-Ballesteros et al (2018) conclude that specific and work-oriented skills such as sciences, technology and health help workers avoid underemployment.…”