Farmworkers and the gender wage gap: An empirical analysis of wage inequality in US agriculture. Issue 4 (13th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fisher, Monica; Lewin, Paul A.; Pilgeram, Ryanne
• Is Part Of: Applied economic perspectives and policy. Volume 44:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: 2145
• Page End: 2163
• Publication Date: 2021-10-13
• Subjects: farm labor -- gender inequality -- wage differentials; Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- Periodicals; Agriculture and state -- Periodicals; 338.105
• DOI: 10.1002/aepp.13202
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2040-5790

Abstract

Abstract: We use nationally representative data from the National Agricultural Workers Survey to assess gender‐based differences in wages and benefits of hired farmworkers. Decomposition and matching results indicate that, compared to men, women make 5% to 6% less in hourly wages and are less likely to receive a bonus or have health insurance paid by their employer. These gender gaps are partly explained by differences between female and male farmworkers in farming experience, hours worked, farm tasks, and crops cultivated. Sizable proportions of the gender gaps are unexplained and the result of discrimination, unmeasured differences between women and men, or both.