Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/215298 
Year of Publication: 
2020
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 12902
Publisher: 
Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
Using a nationally representative longitudinal survey of lawyers in the U.S., we document a sizeable gap between men and women in their early aspirations to become law firm partners, despite similar early investments and educational characteristics. This aspiration gap can explain a large part of the gender promotion gap that is observed later. We propose a model to understand the role of aspirations and then empirically test its predictions. We show that aspirations create incentives to exert effort and are correlated with expectations of success and the preference for becoming a partner. We further show that aspirations are affected by early work experiences – facing harassment or demeaning comments early in the career affects long-term promotion outcomes mediated via aspirations. Our research highlights the importance of accounting for, and managing, career aspirations as an early intervention to close gender career gaps.
Subjects: 
promotion
aspirations
gender gaps
JEL: 
M51
J16
K40
J44
Document Type: 
Working Paper

Files in This Item:
File
Size
563.07 kB





Items in EconStor are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.