The Caregiving Penalty: Gender and Caregiving Effects on Career Opportunities Perceived by Italian Employees

Despite significant improvements in gender equality in recent years, persistent gender disparities remain prevalent in the workplace. In particular, women with caring responsibilities could encounter more barriers in obtaining career opportunities. This study examines the interplay between gender, caregiving responsibilities, and the perception of workplace disparities. We hypothesized that perceived gender-based inequalities would vary depending on the type of caregiving responsibilities, specifically childcare and eldercare. An online survey of 213 employees was conducted to explore this relationship. These preliminary findings suggest that gender biases regarding prospects for career development, leadership responsibility, and opportunities offered by workplaces could persist, and these biases are exacerbated when employees hold caregiving responsibilities, particularly those associated with the care of elderly people. This research establishes a foundational investigation into how gender and caregiving responsibility still influence employees’ conception of workplace disparities.