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Parenthood and the Gender Gap in Academic Careers

Year: 2026

Type: report

Abstract: Using population-wide data on Swedish university researchers and teachers, we identify the effects of parenthood on academic careers. Leveraging staggered event-study models that compare mothers and fathers around first birth, we document widening gender gaps in publication output, wage income, promotion, and PhD completion. These gaps arise across all scientific fields. We further document substantial gender differences prior to first birth and among never-parents, indicating that child-related penalties explain only part of the overall academic gender gap.

Source: Lund University Publications (Lund University)

Authors: Ejermo, Olof, Holmström, Peter

Institution: Lund University

Language: English

Topic: Work-Family Balance Challenges

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Gender equality, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

Funders: Vetenskapsrådet, Forskningsrådet om Hälsa, Arbetsliv och Välfärd

OpenAlex ID: W7149215204

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