The Persistence of Gender Gaps

Abstract

Gender gaps have persisted over time, albeit often weakened. This chapter explores the reasons. On one hand, there has been increasing regulation distance through the resurgence of market liberalism. On the other, there have been more supportive norms and regulation content, though probably with declining momentum. However, this occurs in the context of resistance to change in the gender segregation of the workforce and in the relationship of women to the domestic sphere. Women’s activism has enabled progress in norms and direct gender regulation, but it has not prevented the growth of market liberalism that has increased regulation distance in many areas. Thus there have been contradictory forces that have varied over time and space, affecting the power of women.