Sexual Orientation and Earnings. A Meta-Analysis 2012-2020

38 Pages Posted: 26 Jun 2021 Last revised: 16 Apr 2023

Abstract

This meta-analysis utilizes 24 papers published between 2012-2020 that focus on earnings differences by sexual orientation. The papers cover the period between 1991 and 2018, and countries in Europe, North America and Australia. The meta-analysis indicates that gay men earned less than heterosexual men. Lesbian women earned more than heterosexual women, while bisexual men earned less than heterosexual men. Bisexual women earned less than heterosexual women. According to the meta-analysis, in data sets after 2010, gay men and bisexual men and women continue to experience earnings penalties, while lesbian women continue to experience earnings premiums. The meta-regression estimates indicate relationships between study characteristics and the estimated earnings effects for sexual minorities. For instance, regions, sexual minority data set sizes, and earnings classifications influence the outcomes. The persistence of earnings penalties for gay men and bisexual men and women in the face of anti-discrimination policies represents a cause for concern and indicates the need for comprehensive legislation and workplace guidelines to guarantee that people receive fair pay and not experience any form of workplace inequality simply because of their sexual orientation.

Keywords: sexual orientation, discrimination, earnings

JEL Classification: C93, E24, J15, J16, J71

Suggested Citation

Drydakis, Nick, Sexual Orientation and Earnings. A Meta-Analysis 2012-2020. IZA Discussion Paper No. 14496, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3874368 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3874368

Nick Drydakis (Contact Author)

Anglia Ruskin University

East Road
Cambridge CB1 1PT
United Kingdom

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