Emerging trends in earnings structures of couples in Europe

Are couples in Europe becoming more gender-equal? This short statistical paper examines two specific aspects of the question: (i) the emerging trends in couples’ earnings structure, and (ii) the extent to which more equal earnings relates to more equal domestic work contributions. We found a continued majority of male sole- or main-earners, but also a decline in this gender imbalance over the three year period. It is not yet known, however, whether this will ultimately be seen to have been driven by the economic crisis or to be part of a continuing trend towards more gender-equal couple earnings structures. This short statistical report is part of a series of reports on gender equality in the work force and reconciliation of work, family and private life. These reports have been commissioned by the Justice Directorate General of the European Commission. The study was jointly undertaken by RAND Europe and the University of Groningen. These reports should be of interest to policy makers and academics with an interest in improving gender equality in the work force and improving the compatibility of having a career in combination with a family and private life.