The gender dimension of intergenerational transfers in Europe

Hammer, B., Spitzer, S. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2114-7947, Vargha, L., & Istenič, T. (2019). The gender dimension of intergenerational transfers in Europe. Vienna Institute of Demography , Vienna, Austria.

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Abstract

The intergenerational transfers system is characterised by a range of gender inequalities. Men provide more resources for the consumption by children and the elderly population, while women provide most of the intergenerational transfer via unpaid housework and childcare. Consequently, women contribute less to the public pension system and therefore receive considerably lower yearly pensions. However, their higher life expectancy makes women net recipients of transfers for a considerably longer time than men. This paper analyses the gender dimension of intergenerational transfers in European countries using National Transfer Accounts data on age- and gender-specific transfers in 2010. It takes into account public and private transfers, considering contributions as well as benefits. The results show that the yearly net public benefits in old age are considerably smaller for women. However, because of the higher female life expectancy, the total amount of net public benefits over the course of the retirement period is higher for women in most countries.

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