Parenthood and the Career Ladder: Evidence from Academia

Why do gender gaps persist at the top of many professions? New research points to a key turning point: parenthood.

In academia, motherhood often derails careers—about one in three women leave after having children. Those who stay face lasting drops in research output and lower chances of securing tenure. Men, by contrast, experience only minor career effects from fatherhood.

The gap isn’t about ambition. It’s driven by structural barriers like childcare responsibilities and limited mobility—especially in competitive environments and where few senior women serve as role models.

Anyone interested in this topic is warmly invited to attend the presentation and join the discussion with Dr. Sofie Cairo.

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Host or Publisher Murray Edwards College