Gender inequalities in the global labor market: a systematic literature review

Abstract

Gender inequalities in the global labor market continue to pose a significant challenge, despite progress made in several areas. This systematic literature review examines the factors that perpetuate gender inequalities, with a particular focus on the interaction between welfare policies, labor dynamics, and women's economic participation. Through a rigorous analysis of 20 articles selected from leading academic databases such as Scopus and Web of Science, the study explores various aspects of gender inequalities, including wage inequality, occupational segregation, and limited access to career opportunities. The findings indicate that, in many countries, labor market reforms and economic policies fail to significantly improve women's working conditions, sometimes exacerbating inequalities. The COVID-19 pandemic has further accentuated these issues, highlighting the precariousness of women's work and the growing inequalities caused by neoliberal regimes. Welfare policies, although designed to promote equality, often fail to address gender needs and contribute to unequal economic distribution. The implications of this study highlight the need for policy reforms that address the deep roots of gender inequality and promote a more inclusive and inclusive workplace. We need an integrated approach that considers not only equality, but also the intervention of other areas of social and economic inequality to build a sustainable society.