Gender pay gap reporting regulations: advancing gender equality policy in tough economic times
Milner, S.
S Milner - British Politics, 2019 - Springer
Summary
Milner's 2019 paper, "Gender pay gap reporting regulations: advancing gender equality policy in tough economic times," delves into the reasons behind the UK's introduction of mandatory gender pay gap reporting regulations in 2016, a notable departure from a long-standing preference for voluntary employer action. The article aims to explain this policy shift, particularly given previous opposition to state regulation from major political parties. The methodology implicitly involves an analytical approach to policy development and political science concepts. Milner observes the increasing number of female Members of Parliament (MPs) and investigates whether this rise in descriptive representation translated into substantive representation, leading to policy outcomes. However, the paper critiques the concept of "critical mass" in explaining policy changes, citing difficulties in its definition. Instead, the empirical evidence presented supports the idea that "critical actors"—individuals capable of forging alliances both within the state machinery and externally, especially with business influencers—are decisive in identifying opportunities for change and garnering support for new regulations. The study also considers how the feminization of parliament and government contributes to the institutionalization of gender equality actors, although it notes that this process is often incomplete and contingent. The paper's findings highlight that the mandatory gender pay gap reporting regulations represent a significant break from previous policy, which favored voluntary action by employers to address pay inequalities. While these regulations have not led to a complete "paradigmatic gender transformation," they have successfully created and facilitated opportunities for further action towards gender equality. The study implies that legislative changes, even in challenging economic periods, are achievable when strategic alliances are formed and key actors are able to influence policy development effectively. This suggests a more complex pathway to policy change than simply an increase in descriptive representation.
Key Findings
- - Mandatory gender pay gap reporting regulations introduced in 2016 marked a significant shift from previous voluntary approaches to addressing pay inequality.
- The rise in female parliamentary representation contributes to substantive representation but is not solely responsible for policy outcomes; the concept of "critical mass" is problematic.
- "Critical actors" who build alliances within government and with external stakeholders, particularly business influencers, are decisive in achieving policy change and securing support for it.
- The feminization of parliament and government facilitates the institutionalization of gender equality actors, although this process is often incomplete and contingent.
- While not a complete "paradigmatic gender transformation," these regulations have created significant opportunities for advancing gender equality policy.