Berlin: A recent study conducted by the Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research (ZEW) in collaboration with the Netherlands' Tilburg University has revealed a striking income disparity affecting German mothers. The research found that in the fourth year after giving birth, mothers earn nearly €30,000 ($35,000) less than women of the same age without children significantly higher than previous estimates of around €20,000.
The study analyzed the financial trajectories of 186,000 mothers and highlighted that the impact of childbirth on income varies with the mother’s age. Women who have their first child before the age of 30 face the steepest losses, not only earning less but also missing crucial early-career opportunities. “Younger mothers often miss important career steps in the formative phase of their working life,” said study co-author Lukas Riedel, emphasizing the long-term effects on career progression.
In contrast, women who become mothers later in life after establishing themselves in the labor market experience larger immediate drops in income, often due to reduced working hours. However, these women generally find it easier to resume their careers over time, as they have already navigated critical phases of professional development.
The findings underscore the persistent financial challenges for mothers in Germany, drawing attention to the need for policies and workplace reforms that support women in balancing family and career, particularly those who start families at a younger age.
This study sheds light on a critical dimension of gender inequality, highlighting how motherhood continues to have substantial economic consequences even in highly developed economies like Germany.