The underrepresentation of male caregivers, despite the numerous advantages, is a significant issue. This paper, unlike previous studies that focused on career-related factors, delves into gender discrimination as a potential cause for the scarcity of men in childcare. Through two field experiments, we sent out fictional applications to parents and professional childcare centers. The results revealed a clear preference for female applicants, even when a male applicant had superior qualifications. A content analysis of job advertisements and rejection messages further indicated the prevalence of gender-based stereotyping. In the professional center-based childcare market, institutions marginally discriminated against well-educated men. However, the high response rate from employers demonstrated their commitment to addressing the skill shortage in the center-based childcare market and reducing discriminatory practices.
Leisen, Bernd Josef and Mertins, Vanessa and Walter, Christian, Unveiling Gender-Based Discrimination in the Childcare Market: A Novel Approach Through Two Field Experiments. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4885321 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4885321