Unequal Partners: Inequality in Earnings and Independent Income within Marriage

Abstract

This chapter argues that gender inequality in the earnings and independent income of partners forms the basis of fundamental inequalities in economic power between husbands and wives. Despite women’s increased participation in paid employment, gender inequality in incomes within marriage is resilient and varies little according to a woman’s labour market participation, her age or whether she has children. Gender inequality in earnings in the private sphere of the household is a critical factor in maintaining women’s disadvantaged position in society.