Gender gaps in social and economic outcomes are well known, but less attention has been paid to how men and women view their own economic security and social benefits. A recent study in the International Social Security Review explored this issue using surveys from 27 OECD countries.
The study found that women are more worried about their financial stability and less confident in their country’s social safety nets. Half of the women surveyed doubted they could easily access public benefits if needed, compared with 43% of men.
These doubts likely reflect women’s lower social security contributions and the perception that applying for benefits is harder for them. The researchers noted that women were generally less satisfied with the accessibility and adequacy of social programs than men.
Existing inequalities
Part of the problem, they explained, lies in existing inequalities in the labor market that affect women’s contributions to social security. But even programs designed to promote gender equality can unintentionally create barriers for women. The authors urge policymakers to consider these issues and ensure that social programs work fairly for everyone.
“Women were less satisfied with the accessibility and adequacy of social programs relative to men,” the researchers conclude.
“Much of this likely derives from gender gaps in social security contributions, but at the same time, some social programs that appear to promote gender equality nevertheless inadvertently disadvantage women. We hope this study will encourage social ministries to apply more of a ‘gender lens’ in their program design and reform.”
