The Role of Higher Education in the Formation of the Gender Inequality in the Labor Market. A Review of Russian and International Literature

Abstract

This paper systematizes theoretical concepts, which explain the role of higher education in the formation of the gender inequality in the labour market as well as empirical studies, which consider the formation of the gender wage inequality in all the stages of the interaction between individual and educational system (enrolment, studying and graduation). Theoretical part considers the impact of education on gender inequality through the lenses of human capital theory, compensating wage differentials, theories of discrimination and segregation, as well as through gender-oriented approach in education. The study also presents current trends in gender inequality in education and labour market in Russia. Additionally, we systematize international experience in policy measures related to smoothing of the gender inequality in education and the labour market and we propose measures which can be applicable for that purpose in Russia.

Keywords

• gender wage gap
• gender segregation
• higher education
• gender discrimination
• education policy