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  5. Parenthood and Academic Career Trajectories

AEA Papers and Proceedings

ISSN 2574-0768 (Print) | ISSN 2574-0776 (Online)

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Parenthood and Academic Career Trajectories

  • Anne Sophie Lassen
  • Ria Ivandić
AEA Papers and Proceedings
vol. 114, May 2024
(pp. 238–42)
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Abstract

Women continue to be underrepresented in the field of economics, especially among permanent faculty. As parenthood is an important driver of gender inequality in the labor market, we study the impact of children on the academic careers of economists. We find no evidence of delayed or reduced fertility among researchers. Event study estimates reveal that both men's and women's career trajectories are affected by parenthood and face increasing attrition from universities. Men move into the broader research sector, while women leave research completely. We also find a gender gap in the promotion to tenured faculty in the years following parenthood.

Citation

Lassen, Anne Sophie, and Ria Ivandić. 2024. "Parenthood and Academic Career Trajectories." AEA Papers and Proceedings, 114: 238–42. DOI: 10.1257/pandp.20241118

Additional Materials

JEL Classification

  • A11 Role of Economics; Role of Economists; Market for Economists
  • A20 Economic Education and Teaching of Economics: General
  • I23 Higher Education; Research Institutions
  • J13 Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
  • J16 Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
  • J44 Professional Labor Markets; Occupational Licensing
  • M51 Personnel Economics: Firm Employment Decisions; Promotions