Overview

This project investigates the relationship between welfare state policies and gender inequalities in employment. Using data from the Luxembourg Income Study, Eurostat, and the OECD Family Database, the research examines women's share of management positions across advanced economies and the role of social policies in improving women's access to such jobs through a multilevel analysis. The key contribution lies in focusing on women's share of the very top board and executive positions, rather than managerial positions generally. Women in top management are more likely to have the power to effect organisational changes (e.g., flexible working) that benefit women further down the organisational hierarchy. Thus, by identifying the welfare state factors that condition women's progression to the very top jobs, the research can contribute another dimension to ongoing debates about the relationship between welfare state institutions and gender equality. This research is funded by the ESRC and the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership.
For more information please see Helen Kowalewska's home page.