Gender disparities in social and economic outcomes are recognized across many nations; however, less is known about the differential perceptions of financial security and social benefits between genders. This gap in understanding forms the crux of a new research initiative published in the prestigious International Social Security Review. The research probes deeper into the nuanced perceptions of women and men regarding their economic stability and the efficacy of social programs designed to provide societal safety nets.

The study gathered survey data from participants in 27 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries. This organization, an intergovernmental entity founded in 1961, has a long-standing mission to stimulate economic progress and world trade, providing a rich backdrop for such a comprehensive investigation. The OECD’s broad member base offers a diverse spectrum of economic policies and social protection frameworks, making it an ideal setting for examining gender-based perceptions on a global scale.

According to the research findings, women are more concerned about their economic security than their male counterparts. Women consistently needed more confidence in their national social protection systems’ ability to support them adequately. Notably, about half of the female respondents indicated that they found it challenging to access public benefits when needed, a sentiment only shared by 43% of male respondents. This significant difference highlights the gender gap in perceived economic security and the accessibility of social support mechanisms.

The survey suggests that these perceptions of inaccessibility reflect broader issues, such as the complexities and bureaucratic hurdles often encountered in social program applications. Moreover, women typically have lower social security contributions, which could influence their views on the adequacy and accessibility of social protections. This contribution disparity is often linked to broader economic factors, such as wage gaps and employment patterns, which disadvantage women in the workforce.

Dr. Valerie Frey, PhD, MPhil, a senior economist at the OECD based in France and the study’s corresponding author, provided further insights into the findings. “Women were generally less satisfied with the accessibility and adequacy of social programs compared to men,” she explained. “While some of this dissatisfaction can certainly be attributed to the gender gaps in social security contributions, it is also crucial to consider the structural inadequacies of certain social programs. Although these programs are ostensibly designed to foster gender equality, they often inadvertently disadvantage women.”

Dr. Frey emphasized the potential implications of these findings for policy-making. “This study illuminates the critical need for social ministries to apply a gender lens more rigorously in their program design and reform processes,” she stated. “By doing so, we can address these disparities and work towards a more equitable distribution of economic security and social benefits across genders.”

The call to action is clear: to bridge the gender gaps in economic security and social program satisfaction, a more nuanced and gender-aware approach in policy design and implementation is essential. This research not only contributes to the academic discourse on gender disparities but also serves as a vital resource for policymakers seeking to enhance the effectiveness and equity of social protection systems globally.

More information: Valerie Frey et al, Gender gaps in perceptions of social protection: Insights from the OECD Risks that Matter Survey, International Social Security Review. DOI: 10.1111/issr.12374

Journal information: International Social Security Review Provided by Wiley