Parenthood and the Gender Gap in Academic Careers
Publication type
report
Publication date
March 27, 2026
Author(s)
Ejermo, Olof
Jönköping International Business School, Lund University
Holmström, Peter
Helsinki University, Helsinki Universitys Hospital
Language
English
View point(s)
PhD Level
Geographical area
Abstract
Using population-wide data on Swedish university researchers and teachers, we identify
the effects of parenthood on academic careers. Leveraging staggered event-study models
that compare mothers and fathers around first birth, we document widening gender gaps
in publication output, wage income, promotion, and PhD completion. These gaps arise
across all scientific fields. We further document substantial gender differences prior to
first birth and among never-parents, indicating that child-related penalties explain only
part of the overall academic gender gap.