Differences in occupational earnings by sex

T question of whether gender bias is a cause of differences in pay is important, persistent and still unresolved. A critical element in examining that question is the precise measurement of pay differentials, which in turn requires specification of components determined by differences in education, experience and occupation, inter alia. This article reviews some of the major research findings concerning the female/male wage gap, looking first at questions addressed in attempting to measure wage gaps and some methodological issues. It then introduces some analyses of the female/male occupational wage gap based on data from the ILO’s 1996 October Earnings Inquiry (OEI).2 In order to approach an understanding of possible discrimination the categories are first discussed, then empirical findings given for two major groupings of occupations — in medicine and in public service, banking and insurance. Some suggestions as to national trends and international differences are offered, and a final section concludes.