Leiden University Student Repository

Fangoo, Dillan (2024)

Closing the Gap: A Frame Analysis of EU Gender Equality Policies

Research master thesis | Political Science and Public Administration (research) (MSc)

The thesis examines European Union (EU) policies to address the gender pay gap (GPG) from 2006-2020. A detailed analysis of legislative and policy documents reveals the EU's active role in promoting equal pay. The policies mainly reflect Human Capital Theory, Discrimination Theory, and Occupational Segregation Theory. The proposed actions aim to maximise women's human capital, address gender discrimination and overcome occupational segregation. However, the study identifies limitations in the conceptual frameworks, universalist approach, and lack of continuous monitoring. The research suggests the need for more specific policies, considering the diversity of women's needs, as well as dynamic monitoring mechanisms to adapt to the changing dynamics of the GPG. The thesis also challenges the limited definition of gender equality and suggests exploring additional factors to understand GPG comprehensively. In conclusion, while acknowledging the EU's commitment, the analysis reveals the...Show moreThe thesis examines European Union (EU) policies to address the gender pay gap (GPG) from 2006-2020. A detailed analysis of legislative and policy documents reveals the EU's active role in promoting equal pay. The policies mainly reflect Human Capital Theory, Discrimination Theory, and Occupational Segregation Theory. The proposed actions aim to maximise women's human capital, address gender discrimination and overcome occupational segregation. However, the study identifies limitations in the conceptual frameworks, universalist approach, and lack of continuous monitoring. The research suggests the need for more specific policies, considering the diversity of women's needs, as well as dynamic monitoring mechanisms to adapt to the changing dynamics of the GPG. The thesis also challenges the limited definition of gender equality and suggests exploring additional factors to understand GPG comprehensively. In conclusion, while acknowledging the EU's commitment, the analysis reveals the need to evolve beyond traditional theories to address GPG more effectively.Show less

Gender Pay Gap

Gender Equality

EU

EU Policies

Author

Fangoo, Dillan

Faculty

Faculty of Social & Behavioural Sciences

Specialisation

Nationalism, Ethnic Conflict and Development

Supervisors

Tsagkroni, V.

ECTS Credits

20

Language

en