Leader: Paola Profeta (Università Bocconi); Other collaborator(s): UNISR
This task analyzes the interactions between population aging and gender gaps and the pressures they create on public policy. The current trends of aging and gender equality are changing the labor force composition, by increasing the proportion of elderly workers and of women. In countries where women participate more in the labor market, fertility rates are higher: gender equality in the labor market may counterbalance the aging process. Aging and gender equality also interact in the private sphere, influencing family and intergenerational relationships: the aging process challenges the role of grandmothers as childcare providers and imposes a reconsideration of elderly women as care-receivers.
Brief description of the activities and of the intermediate results
From November 2023-March 2024 the groups have worked on data collection and analysis on the different projects. We have also advanced in the policy brief which collects policies targeting women and the elderly in European countries .
From March to December 2024, the group worked on multiple projects related to gender and ageing inequalities, studying political aspects and potential policy implications.
Brief description of the activities and the intermediate results
Implementation of two studies aimed at investigating gender disparities at older ages. The first explores whether women are more likely to retire because they have/want to provide care to relatives or friends and the economic consequences during retirement, the second is a survey that aims to detect gender and age preferences in Italian SMEs from a managerial perspective (demand side of the job market).
Main policy, industrial and research implication
Show that women are penalized in terms of informal caregiving services (they are more likely to provide daily or weekly informal care help). Show that informal care is an additional reason for women's lower pension income. Show that providing formal care services for the elderly (e.g.: higher numbers of nursing home beds) decreases the retirement care penalty for women. Study whether SMEs managers have age and gender preferences in the decision processes of task assignment and training choice.
Policy Brief on Gender Inequalities and Ageing in Europe
We produced a comprehensive policy brief analyzing the evolution of policies addressing gender inequalities in ageing. The report compares Italy with four key European nations—Germany, France, Spain, and Denmark—highlighting similarities, differences, and lessons learned from various policy approaches.
Development of a Novel Dataset on Ageing and Gender
A new dataset was created to systematically collect and analyze data on gender inequalities and ageing across the European Union. This dataset covers multiple dimensions, such as retirement age, gender-based employment patterns, and scores of discrimination from specialized organizations (e.g.: EIGE and Eurostat).
Research on the Retirement Care Penalty
We completed a working paper focusing on the “care penalty,” exploring its implications within the context of ageing and gender inequalities across Europe. This research is now available as a working paper and was disseminated through presentations at various academic conferences, ensuring visibility and engagement with the wider research community.
Survey on Age and Gender Preferences
We design a survey to collect information about the age and gender preferences of Italian SMEs managers in their everyday work activities. We use a survey agency to collect data and we just started the preliminary data analysis.
Dissemination Events
Research Outputs
Maura F., Profeta P., “Women's Caring Penalty at Retirement in Europe” (2024). SHARE Working Paper Series 95-2024, SHARE Berlin Institute, DOI: 10.6103/wp.952024, https://shar-eric.eu/fileadmin/user_upload/SHARE_Working_Paper/SHARE_WP_95-2024.pdf
Masi O., Maura F., Profeta P., “Age and Gender Discrimination in Job Opportunities”, mimeo 2025.