A perennial problem in the sociology of gender concerns the inequality of earnings between men and women. Various explanations have been offered for this inequality, including discrimination, women's family responsibilities, and differences in men's and women's human capital and other characteristics. These factors also produce occupational segregation, wherein men and women occupy different jobs (labor market segmentation), which in turn contributes to wage inequality. This research explores the extent of, and reasons for, earnings inequality among men and women. Using already collected data from 11 advanced industrialized countries, the study will examine differences within and between these countries in how earnings are shaped by men's and women's labor market locations, family statuses, and human capital. Since these countries differ considerably in their industrial relations systems, political and economic institutions, policies facilitating (or hindering) the integration of work and family roles, and other characteristics this research design will be useful in identifying how these factors segment labor markets and contribute to gender inequality in earnings. The study draws on and extends existing sociological and economic explanations of the gender gap in earnings. Its principal contribution will be the systematic exploration of differences by country and the attempt to explain them on the basis of political, economic, social, and cultural differences among nations.
