Exploring Gender Wage Disparities in Society 5.0: A Case Study of Leadership Roles

Summary

The paper, "Exploring Gender Wage Disparities in Society 5.0: A Case Study of Leadership Roles," authored by C. Varejão and M.M. Pinheiro, is slated for publication in 2026. Given its future publication date, the complete methodology, specific findings, and detailed implications of this study are not yet accessible. However, based on the abstract, the paper's primary objective is to investigate gender wage disparities and discrimination within leadership positions in Portugal's banking sector. The study positions this exploration within the emerging paradigm of "Society 5.0," suggesting an analysis that considers how advanced technology and human-centric societal developments influence gender-based wage gaps. The authors highlight a critical research gap, noting that while there is existing literature on wage inequality in banking generally, research specifically focusing on Portugal's banking sector remains scarce. This indicates the paper's intent to contribute novel insights to this under-researched area. The methodology is framed as a "case study," implying an in-depth examination of a particular context, likely involving the analysis of wage data to quantify disparities and potentially qualitative approaches to understand the underlying causes of gender discrimination from the perspective of banking professionals. The mention of "examines wage" further suggests a quantitative component in assessing the extent of the pay gap. While the specific findings of this 2026 paper are unknown, other contemporary research underscores the persistence of gender pay gaps in banking leadership. For instance, a European Banking Authority (EBA) report from April 2026, analyzing data up to December 2024, found significant gender imbalances and pay gaps at senior management levels across the EU, with male executive directors earning approximately 10% more than their female counterparts. Similarly, research on the broader Portuguese gender wage gap in 2023 indicated that firm-level components account for a notable portion of the disparity, and women are less likely to transition to higher-paying firms than men. Against this backdrop, Varejão and Pinheiro's forthcoming study could offer crucial, context-specific insights for Portugal, potentially informing policies and strategies aimed at fostering greater gender equity in leadership roles as society continues to evolve into the "Society 5.0" era.