Winter 2024/2025

Basic Information:

Anmeldung: über Zeus, 25.06.-02.07.2024

Instructors: Sebastian Findeisen, Sven Resnjanskij, Lennart Goldemann.

Office hour policy will be announced in the first meeting.

Time and location:
– Introductory Session: Tuesday, October 22, 11:45, ONLINE

– Block seminar: Friday, January 17 and Saturday, January 18, in-person only, Room: G304

Grading (planned, might change slightly):

– term paper (33%), presentation(s) (33%), active participation in class (33%)

Course Outline:

Throughout the twentieth century, the wage disparity between men and women was largely a result of discrimination, the impact of marriage, varying levels of education, and the types of jobs chosen. In contrast, today’s gender pay gap arises from different factors. Signifi- cant convergence between genders has been achieved, reducing previous barriers to equality, but new challenges have emerged. One major factor now is the impact of childbirth and child-rearing on women’s participation in the workforce. Additionally, women often opt for employers and career paths that offer flexibility and do not demand overtime or irregular hours. This choice supports their partners in taking on higher-paying roles, which further increases the disparity in earnings within couples. To address this issue, companies could try to enhance the productivity and compensation of flexible and part-time work. Gov- ernments also have a role to play by offering more generous childcare support. Ultimately, closing the gender pay gap might require challenging the societal norm that places the primary responsibility for child-rearing on women. These issues will be at the heart of our curriculum as we explore the economic, social, and policy dimensions of gender inequality in the labor market and the household.

The seminar will be based on the book Career and Family: Women’s Century-Long Journey Toward Equity (2021), by Noble Laureate Claudia Coldin. Every participant is expected to read it as a requirement.

You will write a report about parts of the book, its underlying research papers, and do a presentation in class. In addition, you are expected to actively contribute to our discussions in class.

Prof. Dr. Sebastian Findeisen

Lecture (in presence)

Time: 

21.10.24 - 16.12.24: Monday 11:45 - 13:15,  Room: F424

13.01.25 - 03.02.25: Monday 15:15 - 16:45, Room: F424 

6 ECTS