Social origin and gender are the most determining factors of inequality of opportunity

Social origin and gender are determining factors of “unequal opportunity”according to a study published Wednesday, April 5 by France Strategy. “The place where we grew up and especially the migratory ancestry play much less effect. It was a surprise for us”, commented Gilles de Margerie, Commissioner General of France Strategy, during a press conference. The organization, attached to Matignon, wanted to determine to what extent the income of individuals depends on these four factors. On average, 1,100 euros net per month separate people of privileged origin and those of modest origin (with comparable migratory and territorial origins).

The difference is 600 euros between men and women, with comparable origins. It is 150 euros between descendants of immigrants from Africa and people without migratory ancestry. “The migratory ancestry counts seven times less than the social origin”comments Clément Dherbécourt, author of the study entitled “Inequality of opportunity: what matters most”.

The gap between men and women “worsens” with the birth of children

The differences in income between social origins are primarily linked to education, in particular to the level of diploma obtained (more than the chosen specialty or access to a Grande Ecole). The gap between men and women cannot be explained by educational background: women are better qualified than men, but in less remunerative courses. These differences are due to their positions in the world of work and “significantly worsen after the birth of children”according to the study.

So, “60% of the average income gap between men and women is attributable to the birth of children.” After having children, men have similar incomes to men who have not. On the other hand, the arrival of children reduces women’s income by 20%, five years after birth.