Gender inequality over the lifecycle, information provision and policy preferences

Abstract We conduct a survey experiment with 4000 German respondents, and provide information on two measures of gender inequality, separately or jointly: the gender gap in earnings and the gender gap in pensions. We analyse the effect of providing this information on agreement with the importance of reducing gender inequality, as well as support for policy measures targeted at different stages of the lifecycle and aimed at reducing inequality. We find that providing information on both gaps increases agreement on both accounts. Information on only one gap tends to be insignificant for preferences for policy adoption, but significant for agreement with reducing inequality. The effects of the joint treatment are comparable in magnitude to having personally experienced gender inequality. Young people respond more strongly to information about both gaps, while the single treatments are more effective for women. These individual characteristics also relate to differences in identifying the causes of gender inequality, as shown by answers to an open‐ended question.