SlideShare a Scribd company logo
A Study of How the
Return to Education and
   the Gender Gap Have
   Changed: 2000-2010
                            Colleen Cahill
              University of South Florida
             Econometrics II / ECO 6425
                    November 14, 2011
                         Dr. Beom S. Lee
   Equal Pay Act of 1963
    ◦ 1960: Wage disparity approximately 60%
    ◦ 2010: Wage disparity approximately 77%

   General Expectation that More Education
    and Experience Equals Higher Income
    ◦ Women surpassed men in educational
      attainment in the 1990’s
    ◦ The ranking of U.S. education compared to
      other OECD countries has fallen in the past
      decade



Motivation for the Study
   Factors that Contribute to the Wage Gap
    ◦ Personal Choices
    ◦ Male-Female Differences in Skills
    ◦ Differences in the Treatment of Equally
      Qualified Men and Women

   Disparity in the Return to Education

   Potential Problems with the Use of the
    Basic Wage Equation



In the Literature
   Personal Choices Regarding Labor Force
    Participation
    ◦ Having two or more children
      Human capital depreciation
      Less work force experience
    ◦ “Sexist Family Decision Rules”
      Housework time
      Wives who follow their husbands to new
       geographic locations
    ◦ Choice of Occupation



In the Literature
   Male-Female Differences in Skills
    ◦ Human capital is rewarded differently for men
      and women
      Perceived or actual differences in the quality of
       capital accumulated including years of schooling
       and experience
      Initial increases in women’s labor force were
       associated with a declining skill level of employed
       women relative to men




In the Literature
   Differences in the Treatment of Equally
    Qualified Men and Women
    ◦ Wage growth among young women found to be less
      than that of young men
    ◦ Employers with imperfect information about
      potential employees
       Use sex to predict future work commitment and the
        likelihood that a worker will quit or take time off
       Women must have greater ability to be promoted
       Women hold a lower proportion of high paying jobs




In the Literature
   Disparity in the Return to Education
    ◦ Individual variations in human capital imply
      differences in earnings power
    ◦ The return to education increased sharply in
      the 1980s
      Shift to service-oriented production rather than
       industrialized production
      The return to a college education increased more
       for men than for women
    ◦ Family decisions to invest in men’s education
      over women’s




In the Literature
   Potential Problems with the Basic Wage
    Equation
    ◦ Summary measures may be inadequate
      controls for work experience
    ◦ Failure to control for ability may lead to an
      upward bias in the return to schooling
    ◦ Endogeneity of experience and tenure controls
      when number of children is included in the
      equation




In the Literature
   Collected from the Current Population
    Survey
    ◦ Cross-sectional Data
      Primary source of information on the labor force
       characteristics of the civilian non-institutional U.S.
       population
    ◦ U.S. Census Bureau for the Bureau of Labor
      Statistics
    ◦ DataFerrett Tool
    ◦ March 2000 – 2010 Surveys



The Data
The Data
The Data
The Data
The Data
The Data
The Data
The Data
The Data
The Data
The Models:




  The Estimation Method:
  • Ordinary Least Squares Estimation
  • Robust Standard Errors
  • Stata



The Models and Methods
   The Return to Education
    ◦ Initial Samples: 2000 Return Approximately 12%
    ◦ Revised Samples: 2000 Return Approximately 6%

    ◦ Change in the Return to Education: Less than 1
      percentage point for any period
      Initial Samples: Statistically different from 0 at less
       than a 10% significance level in periods 2008-2010
      Revised Samples: Statistically different from 0 at less
       than a 10% significance level in 2007 where it falls
       slightly




Results and Interpretations
   The Gender Gap
    ◦ Initial Samples: 2000 Gender Gap Approximately 42% in
      ln(wages) and 34% in weekly wages
    ◦ Revised Samples: 2000 Gender Gap Approximately 25%
      in ln(wages) and 22% in weekly wages

    ◦ Change in the Gender Gap: Approximately 5 percentage
      points from 2000-2010
      Initial Samples: Shown to have fallen against the positive
       one sided alternative at less than a 10% significance level
       in periods 2001,2003,2005-2007, 2009-2010
      Revised Samples: Shown to have fallen against the
       positive one sided alternative at less than a 10%
       significance level in periods 2003-2010




Results and Interpretations
Results and Interpretations
Results and Interpretations
   For Each Year 2001-2010
    ◦ Generated 10 Random Error Terms, Normally Distributed with
      Mean 0 and Variance the Square of the Mean Standard Error

    ◦ Generated 10 New Dependent Variables Using the Estimated
      Coefficients, the Existing Data for the Independent Variables and
      the Random Error Terms

    ◦ Regressed the New Dependent Variables on the Existing Data for
      the Independent Variables

    ◦ Calculated the Mean of the Estimated Coefficients for Each Year

    ◦ Compared the Mean Coefficient Estimates to the Original
      Coefficient Estimates




Monte Carlo Simulation
Monte Carlo Simulation
Monte Carlo Simulation
   The estimated return to education is practically small
    and primarily insignificant

   The actual gender gap is a number between those
    estimated
    ◦ The estimations using the larger, less controlled samples
      estimate a larger gap
    ◦ The estimations using the smaller, more controlled samples
      estimate a smaller gap

   For the purposes of this study, a basic wage equation
    seems adequate, although better data collection may
    lead to results closer to what has been reported in
    the population




Conclusions

More Related Content

Similar to Colleen P Cahill Econometrics II Presentation

Colleen P Cahill Writing Sample Econometrics II Select Pages
Colleen P Cahill Writing Sample   Econometrics II Select PagesColleen P Cahill Writing Sample   Econometrics II Select Pages
Colleen P Cahill Writing Sample Econometrics II Select Pages
colleenpcahill
 
Merit Pay Essay
Merit Pay EssayMerit Pay Essay
The Simple Truth about the Gender Pay Gap -- AAUW
The Simple Truth about the Gender Pay Gap -- AAUWThe Simple Truth about the Gender Pay Gap -- AAUW
The Simple Truth about the Gender Pay Gap -- AAUW
Michael A. Campbell
 
CATCHING UPt The Gender Gap in Wages, circa 2000 The.docx
CATCHING UPt The Gender Gap in Wages, circa 2000 The.docxCATCHING UPt The Gender Gap in Wages, circa 2000 The.docx
CATCHING UPt The Gender Gap in Wages, circa 2000 The.docx
troutmanboris
 
Gender Pay Gap Hackathon Briefing Materials
Gender Pay Gap Hackathon Briefing MaterialsGender Pay Gap Hackathon Briefing Materials
Gender Pay Gap Hackathon Briefing Materials
Julie Graber
 
Do Dreams Come True? Aspirations and educational attainments of Ethiopian boy...
Do Dreams Come True? Aspirations and educational attainments of Ethiopian boy...Do Dreams Come True? Aspirations and educational attainments of Ethiopian boy...
Do Dreams Come True? Aspirations and educational attainments of Ethiopian boy...
Young Lives Oxford
 
Rohini Pande, Harvard University and EPoD - Global interventions to improve ...
Rohini Pande, Harvard University and EPoD -  Global interventions to improve ...Rohini Pande, Harvard University and EPoD -  Global interventions to improve ...
Rohini Pande, Harvard University and EPoD - Global interventions to improve ...
POSHAN
 
Kela Lecture comment on Gösta Esping Andersen "Asymmetric Opportunity Structu...
Kela Lecture comment on Gösta Esping Andersen "Asymmetric Opportunity Structu...Kela Lecture comment on Gösta Esping Andersen "Asymmetric Opportunity Structu...
Kela Lecture comment on Gösta Esping Andersen "Asymmetric Opportunity Structu...
Kelan tutkimus / Research at Kela
 
Basic income and women in an established gender-equal welfare state: Results ...
Basic income and women in an established gender-equal welfare state: Results ...Basic income and women in an established gender-equal welfare state: Results ...
Basic income and women in an established gender-equal welfare state: Results ...
BEYOND4.0
 
Introduction to Factor Analysis for and With Mixed Methods: British Academy ...
Introduction to Factor Analysis for and With Mixed Methods:  British Academy ...Introduction to Factor Analysis for and With Mixed Methods:  British Academy ...
Introduction to Factor Analysis for and With Mixed Methods: British Academy ...
Wendy Olsen
 
Women Can’t Win: Despite Making Educational Gains and Pursing High-Wage Major...
Women Can’t Win: Despite Making Educational Gains and Pursing High-Wage Major...Women Can’t Win: Despite Making Educational Gains and Pursing High-Wage Major...
Women Can’t Win: Despite Making Educational Gains and Pursing High-Wage Major...
Victoria Hartt
 
Women Can’t Win: Despite Making Educational Gains and Pursuing High-Wage Majo...
Women Can’t Win: Despite Making Educational Gains and Pursuing High-Wage Majo...Women Can’t Win: Despite Making Educational Gains and Pursuing High-Wage Majo...
Women Can’t Win: Despite Making Educational Gains and Pursuing High-Wage Majo...
CEW Georgetown
 
marketing1.ppt
marketing1.pptmarketing1.ppt
marketing1.ppt
dishasharma854962
 
Pay Equity in the 21st century Session 5 CUPA 18Sept2017
Pay Equity in the 21st century Session 5 CUPA 18Sept2017Pay Equity in the 21st century Session 5 CUPA 18Sept2017
Pay Equity in the 21st century Session 5 CUPA 18Sept2017
James Sillery
 
Unequal Treatment of Women in Business
Unequal Treatment of Women in BusinessUnequal Treatment of Women in Business
Unequal Treatment of Women in Business
Dana Sorensen
 
Gpa Test Scores
Gpa Test ScoresGpa Test Scores
Gpa Test Scores
Dani Cox
 
Gender & Leadership
Gender & LeadershipGender & Leadership
Gender & Leadership
Crystal D. Gordon, MSW
 
Personal Budgeting Trends of Undergraduate Students at Ashoka University
Personal Budgeting Trends of Undergraduate Students at Ashoka UniversityPersonal Budgeting Trends of Undergraduate Students at Ashoka University
Personal Budgeting Trends of Undergraduate Students at Ashoka University
Aashay Verma
 
Learnings from hr article khushboo
Learnings from hr article   khushbooLearnings from hr article   khushboo
Learnings from hr article khushboo
khushboopcte
 
Hr article
Hr articleHr article
Hr article
khushboopcte
 

Similar to Colleen P Cahill Econometrics II Presentation (20)

Colleen P Cahill Writing Sample Econometrics II Select Pages
Colleen P Cahill Writing Sample   Econometrics II Select PagesColleen P Cahill Writing Sample   Econometrics II Select Pages
Colleen P Cahill Writing Sample Econometrics II Select Pages
 
Merit Pay Essay
Merit Pay EssayMerit Pay Essay
Merit Pay Essay
 
The Simple Truth about the Gender Pay Gap -- AAUW
The Simple Truth about the Gender Pay Gap -- AAUWThe Simple Truth about the Gender Pay Gap -- AAUW
The Simple Truth about the Gender Pay Gap -- AAUW
 
CATCHING UPt The Gender Gap in Wages, circa 2000 The.docx
CATCHING UPt The Gender Gap in Wages, circa 2000 The.docxCATCHING UPt The Gender Gap in Wages, circa 2000 The.docx
CATCHING UPt The Gender Gap in Wages, circa 2000 The.docx
 
Gender Pay Gap Hackathon Briefing Materials
Gender Pay Gap Hackathon Briefing MaterialsGender Pay Gap Hackathon Briefing Materials
Gender Pay Gap Hackathon Briefing Materials
 
Do Dreams Come True? Aspirations and educational attainments of Ethiopian boy...
Do Dreams Come True? Aspirations and educational attainments of Ethiopian boy...Do Dreams Come True? Aspirations and educational attainments of Ethiopian boy...
Do Dreams Come True? Aspirations and educational attainments of Ethiopian boy...
 
Rohini Pande, Harvard University and EPoD - Global interventions to improve ...
Rohini Pande, Harvard University and EPoD -  Global interventions to improve ...Rohini Pande, Harvard University and EPoD -  Global interventions to improve ...
Rohini Pande, Harvard University and EPoD - Global interventions to improve ...
 
Kela Lecture comment on Gösta Esping Andersen "Asymmetric Opportunity Structu...
Kela Lecture comment on Gösta Esping Andersen "Asymmetric Opportunity Structu...Kela Lecture comment on Gösta Esping Andersen "Asymmetric Opportunity Structu...
Kela Lecture comment on Gösta Esping Andersen "Asymmetric Opportunity Structu...
 
Basic income and women in an established gender-equal welfare state: Results ...
Basic income and women in an established gender-equal welfare state: Results ...Basic income and women in an established gender-equal welfare state: Results ...
Basic income and women in an established gender-equal welfare state: Results ...
 
Introduction to Factor Analysis for and With Mixed Methods: British Academy ...
Introduction to Factor Analysis for and With Mixed Methods:  British Academy ...Introduction to Factor Analysis for and With Mixed Methods:  British Academy ...
Introduction to Factor Analysis for and With Mixed Methods: British Academy ...
 
Women Can’t Win: Despite Making Educational Gains and Pursing High-Wage Major...
Women Can’t Win: Despite Making Educational Gains and Pursing High-Wage Major...Women Can’t Win: Despite Making Educational Gains and Pursing High-Wage Major...
Women Can’t Win: Despite Making Educational Gains and Pursing High-Wage Major...
 
Women Can’t Win: Despite Making Educational Gains and Pursuing High-Wage Majo...
Women Can’t Win: Despite Making Educational Gains and Pursuing High-Wage Majo...Women Can’t Win: Despite Making Educational Gains and Pursuing High-Wage Majo...
Women Can’t Win: Despite Making Educational Gains and Pursuing High-Wage Majo...
 
marketing1.ppt
marketing1.pptmarketing1.ppt
marketing1.ppt
 
Pay Equity in the 21st century Session 5 CUPA 18Sept2017
Pay Equity in the 21st century Session 5 CUPA 18Sept2017Pay Equity in the 21st century Session 5 CUPA 18Sept2017
Pay Equity in the 21st century Session 5 CUPA 18Sept2017
 
Unequal Treatment of Women in Business
Unequal Treatment of Women in BusinessUnequal Treatment of Women in Business
Unequal Treatment of Women in Business
 
Gpa Test Scores
Gpa Test ScoresGpa Test Scores
Gpa Test Scores
 
Gender & Leadership
Gender & LeadershipGender & Leadership
Gender & Leadership
 
Personal Budgeting Trends of Undergraduate Students at Ashoka University
Personal Budgeting Trends of Undergraduate Students at Ashoka UniversityPersonal Budgeting Trends of Undergraduate Students at Ashoka University
Personal Budgeting Trends of Undergraduate Students at Ashoka University
 
Learnings from hr article khushboo
Learnings from hr article   khushbooLearnings from hr article   khushboo
Learnings from hr article khushboo
 
Hr article
Hr articleHr article
Hr article
 

Colleen P Cahill Econometrics II Presentation

  • 1. A Study of How the Return to Education and the Gender Gap Have Changed: 2000-2010 Colleen Cahill University of South Florida Econometrics II / ECO 6425 November 14, 2011 Dr. Beom S. Lee
  • 2. Equal Pay Act of 1963 ◦ 1960: Wage disparity approximately 60% ◦ 2010: Wage disparity approximately 77%  General Expectation that More Education and Experience Equals Higher Income ◦ Women surpassed men in educational attainment in the 1990’s ◦ The ranking of U.S. education compared to other OECD countries has fallen in the past decade Motivation for the Study
  • 3. Factors that Contribute to the Wage Gap ◦ Personal Choices ◦ Male-Female Differences in Skills ◦ Differences in the Treatment of Equally Qualified Men and Women  Disparity in the Return to Education  Potential Problems with the Use of the Basic Wage Equation In the Literature
  • 4. Personal Choices Regarding Labor Force Participation ◦ Having two or more children  Human capital depreciation  Less work force experience ◦ “Sexist Family Decision Rules”  Housework time  Wives who follow their husbands to new geographic locations ◦ Choice of Occupation In the Literature
  • 5. Male-Female Differences in Skills ◦ Human capital is rewarded differently for men and women  Perceived or actual differences in the quality of capital accumulated including years of schooling and experience  Initial increases in women’s labor force were associated with a declining skill level of employed women relative to men In the Literature
  • 6. Differences in the Treatment of Equally Qualified Men and Women ◦ Wage growth among young women found to be less than that of young men ◦ Employers with imperfect information about potential employees  Use sex to predict future work commitment and the likelihood that a worker will quit or take time off  Women must have greater ability to be promoted  Women hold a lower proportion of high paying jobs In the Literature
  • 7. Disparity in the Return to Education ◦ Individual variations in human capital imply differences in earnings power ◦ The return to education increased sharply in the 1980s  Shift to service-oriented production rather than industrialized production  The return to a college education increased more for men than for women ◦ Family decisions to invest in men’s education over women’s In the Literature
  • 8. Potential Problems with the Basic Wage Equation ◦ Summary measures may be inadequate controls for work experience ◦ Failure to control for ability may lead to an upward bias in the return to schooling ◦ Endogeneity of experience and tenure controls when number of children is included in the equation In the Literature
  • 9. Collected from the Current Population Survey ◦ Cross-sectional Data  Primary source of information on the labor force characteristics of the civilian non-institutional U.S. population ◦ U.S. Census Bureau for the Bureau of Labor Statistics ◦ DataFerrett Tool ◦ March 2000 – 2010 Surveys The Data
  • 19. The Models: The Estimation Method: • Ordinary Least Squares Estimation • Robust Standard Errors • Stata The Models and Methods
  • 20. The Return to Education ◦ Initial Samples: 2000 Return Approximately 12% ◦ Revised Samples: 2000 Return Approximately 6% ◦ Change in the Return to Education: Less than 1 percentage point for any period  Initial Samples: Statistically different from 0 at less than a 10% significance level in periods 2008-2010  Revised Samples: Statistically different from 0 at less than a 10% significance level in 2007 where it falls slightly Results and Interpretations
  • 21. The Gender Gap ◦ Initial Samples: 2000 Gender Gap Approximately 42% in ln(wages) and 34% in weekly wages ◦ Revised Samples: 2000 Gender Gap Approximately 25% in ln(wages) and 22% in weekly wages ◦ Change in the Gender Gap: Approximately 5 percentage points from 2000-2010  Initial Samples: Shown to have fallen against the positive one sided alternative at less than a 10% significance level in periods 2001,2003,2005-2007, 2009-2010  Revised Samples: Shown to have fallen against the positive one sided alternative at less than a 10% significance level in periods 2003-2010 Results and Interpretations
  • 24. For Each Year 2001-2010 ◦ Generated 10 Random Error Terms, Normally Distributed with Mean 0 and Variance the Square of the Mean Standard Error ◦ Generated 10 New Dependent Variables Using the Estimated Coefficients, the Existing Data for the Independent Variables and the Random Error Terms ◦ Regressed the New Dependent Variables on the Existing Data for the Independent Variables ◦ Calculated the Mean of the Estimated Coefficients for Each Year ◦ Compared the Mean Coefficient Estimates to the Original Coefficient Estimates Monte Carlo Simulation
  • 27. The estimated return to education is practically small and primarily insignificant  The actual gender gap is a number between those estimated ◦ The estimations using the larger, less controlled samples estimate a larger gap ◦ The estimations using the smaller, more controlled samples estimate a smaller gap  For the purposes of this study, a basic wage equation seems adequate, although better data collection may lead to results closer to what has been reported in the population Conclusions