Scandinavian Working Papers in Economics

Lund Papers in Economic History,
Lund University, Department of Economic History

No 266: Parenthood and the Gender Gap in Academic Careers

Olof Ejermo () and Peter Holmström ()
Additional contact information
Olof Ejermo: Department of Economic History, Lund University, Postal: Department of Economic History, Lund University, Box 7083, S-220 07 Lund, Sweden
Peter Holmström: Department of Economic History, Lund University, Postal: Department of Economic History, Lund University, Box 7083, S-220 07 Lund, Sweden

Abstract: Using population-wide data on Swedish university researchers and teachers, we identify the effects of parenthood on academic careers. Leveraging staggered event-study models that compare mothers and fathers around first birth, we document widening gender gaps in publication output, wage income, promotion, and PhD completion. These gaps arise across all scientific fields. We further document substantial gender differences prior to first birth and among never-parents, indicating that child-related penalties explain only part of the overall academic gender gap.

Keywords: academic careers; child penalty; parenthood; gender gap; Sweden; staggered; event study; research productivity

JEL-codes: C23; I23; J13; J16; J24; J31

Language: English

60 pages, March 31, 2026

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