HRDC - Gender Equality in the Labour Market

The entry of women into the labour force has been one of the most significant developments of the twentieth century. But while the past thirty years have witnessed major improvements to women's labour market status, women continue to confront obstacles to equality with men in the workforce.

The introduction of measures designed to equalize women's labour market opportunities and outcomes has been a feature of public policy in all industrialized countries over the last three decades. Most of these measures have succeeded at improving women's labour market position, although results are at best preliminary. A great deal more research is required before we have an adequate understanding of the effects of these policies on women's labour market position.

A great deal more research is required before we have an adequate understanding of the effects of these policies on women's labour market position.

Most of the measures reviewed in this study require fairly significant public expenditure and regulation of the economy. This is true of employment standards legislation, equal opportunity policies, pay equity policies, labour market training programs, leave policies, and child care policies. It is also true of structural features of the labour market, such as centralized wage setting, which have benefited women.

This study reviewed only some of the many policies and programs that affect women's position in the workforce. It did not consider formal education systems, even though improvement in women's educational qualifications is one of the most important factors in accounting for their improved labour market status over the past thirty years, and will continue to play a prominent role in accounting for future advances. Nor did it discuss income redistribution policies such as taxation, social assistance and employment insurance. Research has demonstrated that these policies, by creating incentives or disincentives to work, can either reinforce women's secondary status in the labour market, or help to promote gender equality. These topics are significant enough to merit a separate discussion.

Health and housing policy, and sexual harassment and domestic violence legislation are other potentially significant factors. All of these topics require investigation for a thorough understanding of policies and programs promoting gender equality in the labour market.