Peer Review 3-4 November: Effects of life courses on women’s pensions
In Germany, as in many other countries, there is a gender gap in the value of old-age pensions reflecting differences in the career patterns of women and men. Traditionally women are more likely than men to take time out from work to care for family members, particularly young children and older relatives. This has a two-pronged impact on the levels of old-age pensions that women receive: firstly, it shortens working life and therefore reduces the number of contributions made towards a final pension and, secondly, career breaks tend to have a negative impact on income levels so that the value of these contributions is lower.
The Peer Review offers an opportunity to learn about the situation in different countries. To see, for example, the extent to which a pension gender gap exists and to what extent this reflects differing career patterns of men and women. Moreover, it provides an opportunity to learn and share best practice as regards instruments and policies to deal with the issue.
