Danish study links birth of daughters to increased female employment

A study utilizing Danish employment records from 1992 to 2017 suggests that male managers may experience shifts in workplace decision-making following the birth of a first daughter. Research conducted by Maddalena Ronchi of Northwestern University and Nina Smith of Aarhus University, published in the Review of Economic Studies, found that women’s employment in firms led by these managers increased by 2.9% relative to men.

Additionally, women’s relative earnings in these firms rose by 4.4%. The study indicates these changes were primarily driven by shifts in hiring practices, specifically the recruitment of women with higher education, full-time roles, and higher earning potential. While the researchers note that having a daughter does not inherently make a manager a better or fairer leader, the findings highlight how personal life events can influence professional perceptions and economic outcomes.