Wage Differentials By Gender And The Economic Development Of Puerto Rico

A gender wage gap exists in the labor market of Puerto Rico. In 2005, it was five percent, nevertheless the factors behind the gender wage gap have not been studied in depth. Most research on the topic employs microeconomic analysis to study the salary differential by gender at the individual level. This thesis integrates macroeconomic variables across time to study the gender wage gap. The hypothesis stipulates that the gender wage gap in Puerto Rico is affected by the gross national product, the industry employment, education attained by women, total female employment and the birthrate. The findings add value by providing a complete picture of the economic status of women relative to men in Puerto Rico and the role of gender in the labor market.