Gender Wage Gap and Family Policies: A Comparative Analysis of the Influence of Segregation and Parenthood on the Gender Pay Gap and Economic Disparities in the Hungarian Labor Landscape

Absztrakt (kivonat)

In 2022, women's average gross hourly earnings in Hungary were 17.5% lower than men's. The issue of wage disparities has been extensively discussed in international scholarly work, with its components attributed to observed and unobserved factors. While the impact of motherhood on wages has been studied in numerous countries, there was a gap in understanding its effects in Hungary. This study aimed to examine how motherhood influences the broader economic activity and the gender pay gap in Hungary and to explore the potential of family policies in reducing this gap and improving mothers' position in the labor market. The research methodology employed a mixed approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methods for data analysis. A comparative statistical analysis was conducted across several European countries, including Hungary, Sweden, Denmark, Austria, Czechia, and Latvia, using data from international databases, while primary data from semi-structured surveys supplemented the findings through narrative inquiry, providing deeper insights. Contrary to previous studies, this research found that occupational segregation plays a more significant role in the gender pay gap than sectoral segregation. Moreover, the study highlighted the substantial gaps in employment and wages for women of childbearing age, partially linked to the impact of motherhood and the child penalty. While Hungary's employment gap and hours gap patterns may not experience as drastic changes as in other countries, many mothers face challenges reintegrating into the workforce upon extended parental leave. The paper suggests that in the short term, it is essential to assess existing policies and supplement them with flexibility and a shift in employer attitudes. In the long term, increasing male participation in caregiving and unpaid work should be a priority in both policy and practice.