Gender gaps in social and economic outcomes are well-known, but new research sheds light on how women and men perceive their economic security and the support they receive from social programs. A study published in the International Social Security Review examined these issues. It used survey data from individuals in 27 OECD member countries. The findings show significant differences in how men and women view their economic security. These differences are especially clear in accessing and benefiting from social protection systems.
The research highlights that women are more concerned about their economic security than men. They also feel less confident that their country’s social protection system will support them in times of need. Half of the women expressed concern about not easily receiving public benefits if required. In comparison, 43% of men shared this concern. This perception of inaccessibility is shaped by various factors. Women face challenges when applying for social programs. They also contribute less to social security.
PERCEIVED ACCESSIBILITY OF SOCIAL PROTECTION PROGRAMS
The study found that women were less satisfied with the accessibility and adequacy of social programs compared to men. A key factor driving this dissatisfaction is the gender gap in social security contributions. Women typically contribute less to social security systems than men because they earn lower wages. They also spend more time out of the workforce, often due to caregiving roles, and are more likely to engage in part-time employment. These disparities leave women feeling less confident about their ability to rely on these systems for financial support.
UNINTENDED GENDER BIAS IN SOCIAL PROGRAMS
Some social programs designed to promote gender equality unintentionally disadvantage women. These programs are intended to support gender parity. But, they do not fully account for the unique challenges women face. Women face issues like income disparities, caregiving responsibilities, and employment gaps. As a result, they feel excluded or underserved by these programs, further deepening gender inequalities in economic security.
A CALL FOR GENDER-SENSITIVE PROGRAM DESIGN
Valerie Frey is a senior economist at the OECD and the study’s lead author. She emphasized the need for social ministries to adopt a “gender lens” in designing and reforming social programs. By considering the specific needs and challenges of women, policymakers can help create more inclusive and accessible social protection systems. “Much of this derives from gender gaps in social security contributions. Meanwhile, some social programs promote gender equality nevertheless inadvertently disadvantage women,” said Dr. Frey.
