Gender and social background impact income security in Germany

A 2025 report on equality in Brandenburg reveals that despite a low gender pay gap of 4% in hourly wages, women face significantly higher risks of poverty. Approximately 49% of employed women of working age in the region report that their monthly earnings are insufficient for long-term financial security, compared to 38% of men. This disparity intensifies for parents, where 70% of women and 63% of men struggle to secure their livelihoods. The gap is largely driven by working hours; 55% of women aged 35 to 44 work part-time, often due to childcare responsibilities, whereas only 15% of men in the same age group do so.

Beyond gender, discussions regarding the ‘class-pay-gap’ highlight how social origin influences earnings in Germany. Experts suggest that individuals from less privileged backgrounds may earn less than those from academic households, even when holding the same positions and qualifications. While the gender pay gap remains a central topic, researchers note that socioeconomic background and class-based discrimination are less frequently addressed in German socio-political discourse.