UCSB Study Links Lower Pay to Female-Dominated Jobs

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) - A new study from UC Santa Barbara suggests that people’s perceptions about who works in a job may influence how much they believe that job should pay.

Researchers presented participants with descriptions of the same occupation but varied information about the workforce. When participants believed a larger share of women worked in the role, they consistently assigned it a lower salary.

The findings suggest that gender stereotypes may shape how work is valued, even when the job itself does not change.

Researchers report the study offers insight into one factor that may contribute to the persistent gender pay gap.

They hope the research encourages employers to use clear, consistent compensation practices that focus on the responsibilities and qualifications required for a position rather than assumptions about who typically performs the work.

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