Research carried out at IFS and published today by the Department for Work and Pensions investigates how and when differences in work behaviour between men and women develop, focusing on the evolution of the gender gaps immediately after childbirth and during the initial years of family development.
The study uses a large sample of families and a comparison sample containing individuals over all stages of the lifetime, including before, throughout and after family formation.
The report concludes that childbirth and a child entering school at age four or five are found to be critical times in women's employment.
Authors
![Mike Brewer](/sites/default/files/styles/square_desktop/public/2022-07/Mike%20Brewer.jpg?itok=3JdYlHV1)
Mike Brewer
![Person graphic](/sites/default/files/styles/square_desktop/public/2022-06/IFS-person-graphic.png?itok=hWCtTSrz)
Gillian Paull
Press Release details
- Publisher
- IFS
More from IFS
Understand this issue
![Microphone](/sites/default/files/styles/square_desktop/public/2024-06/Microphone.jpg?itok=soM7Wvbz)
Election Special: Your questions answered
podcast
In the final run up to the election, we answer your questions about everything from borrowing to AI to the part that luck plays in the economy.
27 June 2024
![Tom Waters](/sites/default/files/styles/square_desktop/public/2024-06/tom%20waters.jpg?itok=faDtwS3F)
What is the two-child limit in benefits?
explainer
IFS Associate Director Tom Waters explains.
27 June 2024
![Interview](/sites/default/files/styles/square_desktop/public/2024-06/1.jpg?itok=mjderngL)
Election Special: The big issues politicians haven't spoken about
podcast
What are the manifestos missing? What are the big challenges facing us? And what information should voters be aware of as they head to the polls?
25 June 2024
Policy analysis
![Welsh town with mountains behind](/sites/default/files/styles/square_desktop/public/2024-06/Welsh-town-feature.jpg?itok=5axb5wZn)
How would the parties’ tax and spending plans affect Scotland and Wales?
report
This ‘explainer’ looks at how the parties’ proposals would affect Scotland and Wales, covering tax, spending, public finances and the constitution.
28 June 2024
![Polling station](/sites/default/files/styles/square_desktop/public/2024-06/Polling-station-school.jpg?itok=uS-l6b-1)
What are the parties’ plans for benefits and taxes?
calculator
Use our simple interactive tool to see how the parties’ plans for benefits and taxes would impact household incomes over the next five years.
24 June 2024
![Breakfast club](/sites/default/files/styles/square_desktop/public/2024-06/Breakfast-club.jpg?itok=dEyGgrwT)
Free breakfast clubs in schools: what Labour’s plans would mean for pupils and families
comment
Labour’s manifesto promises free breakfast clubs in all primary schools. This comment examines possible benefits and challenges with the policy.
25 June 2024
Academic research
![Working Paper Cover](/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/2024-06/WP202425-The-intergenerational-elasticity-of-earnings-exploring-the-mechanisms_Page_01.jpg?itok=BhqlYpqX)
The intergenerational elasticity of earnings: Exploring the mechanisms
working paper
We use data covering a single cohort’s first 55 years of life to explain the differences in the intergenerational elasticity of earnings.
3 June 2024
![Working paper cover](/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/2024-06/WP202428-The-impact-of%20labour-demand-shocks-when-occupational-labour-supplies-are-heterogeneous.jpg?itok=Erq9-V9O)
The impact of labour demand shocks when occupational labour supplies are heterogeneous
working paper
We study the heterogeneous impact of subsequent demand shifts on wages and employment in Germany.
28 June 2024
![Working Paper Cover](/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/2024-06/WP202427-The-impact-of-flexibility-at-work-on-fertility_Page_01.jpg?itok=pHaEvbkK)
The impact of flexibility at work on fertility
working paper
Using the increase in work flexibility during the first Covid-19 lockdown, we find a significant and persistent increase in births nine months later.
11 June 2024