nrc.nl
Dutch Gender Pay Gap Narrows to 10.5 Percent in 2024
In 2024, the average hourly wage for women in the Netherlands was 10.5 percent lower than for men, a decrease from 19 percent in 2010, primarily due to increased women's education and higher minimum wages; however, large companies still show a significant gap.
- How did the gender pay gap differ across age groups and sectors in 2024?
- The gender pay gap narrowed significantly between 2010 and 2024, with women's average hourly wages increasing by 52 percent compared to men's 38 percent increase. This reduction is most prominent in the 40-45 age group, where the gap fell from 19 percent to 7 percent. Younger workers show virtually no gap, with women aged 25-30 even earning slightly more.
- What are the remaining challenges in addressing the gender pay gap, particularly in large companies?
- The narrowing gender pay gap is primarily attributed to increased women's education levels (35.9 percent highly educated in 2022 vs. 27.4 percent in 2013) and substantial minimum wage increases (21 percent from 2022 to 2024). However, significant discrepancies persist within large companies, with 85 percent showing higher pay for men in 2024.
- What is the current gender pay gap in the Netherlands, and what factors contributed to its reduction?
- In 2024, the average hourly gross wage for women in the Netherlands was 10.5 percent lower than that of men, down from 19 percent in 2010. Men earned an average of €30.32 per hour, while women earned €27.15. This decrease is partly due to rising education levels among women and increased minimum wages.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the gender pay gap primarily through the lens of progress, emphasizing the decrease in the gap over time. While acknowledging the remaining disparity, the positive framing might downplay the continuing significance of the issue. The headline (not provided) likely plays a significant role in setting this tone. The focus on percentage decrease could overshadow the absolute difference in earnings which is still substantial.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses on the narrowing gender pay gap, highlighting positive trends. However, it omits discussion of potential systemic factors contributing to the persistent gap, such as occupational segregation, gendered job evaluations, and unconscious bias in hiring and promotion practices. While acknowledging higher education levels and minimum wage increases as contributing factors, a more comprehensive analysis of the underlying causes would strengthen the piece. The article also lacks information on the distribution of pay gaps across different sectors beyond education and public administration.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights a decrease in the gender pay gap in the Netherlands, with women's average hourly wages increasing at a faster rate than men's between 2010 and 2024. This positive trend contributes to SDG 5 (Gender Equality), specifically target 5.1 which aims to end all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere. The narrowing gap suggests progress towards equal pay for equal work.