Publication Date
5-2-1994
Abstract
This study uses Dr. Barbara Bergmann's Model of Labor Market Overcrowding to test for gender discrimination in the legal profession. Bergmann's model suggests that stereotypes and society's perceptions about what is "normal" divide male and female lawyers into two separate labor markets such that 1) females are paid less than males and 2) male and female lawyers are segregated into different areas of practice--either by area of concentration or position within the firm. Two samples, one composed of 45 young lawyers and the other consisting of 400 lawyers (200 males and 260 females), are used to test these hypotheses. The results indicate that significant wage differentials do exist for young lawyers--females earn significantly less even after controlling for experience. While there is no significant evidence of crowding in the specific areas of practice, there is statistically significant evidence of crowding with respect to partnership status.
Disciplines
Economics
Recommended Citation
Kube '94, Barb, "Women in Law--Equal Justice for All?" (1994). Honors Projects. 48.
https://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/econ_honproj/48