Family Responsibilities,Productivity, and Earnings: A Study of Gender Differences Among Canadian Lawyers

This study examines whether men and women invest in different determinants of productivity and whether these investments affect productivity and salary in different ways. Hypotheses are tested from human and social capital theories that include more direct measures for family responsibilities and family-friendly firm arguments. Data from 670 law firm lawyers were used given they report a standardized measure of productivity in billable hours. Despite men investing more in their careers and women investing more in their families, both report similar productivity and their productivity is affected similarly by these factors. In addition, equally productive men and women are paid the same. The findings further our understanding of productivity and salary and the relevance of family responsibilities and family-friendly firms.

Jean E. Wallace (Corresponding author)Email:

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Marisa C. Young   is a second year Ph.D. student in Sociology at the University of Toronto. She is currently working on a federally funded project titled “Investigating Neighbourhood Effects on Mental Health.” Her dissertation research examines neighbourhood effects on the gendered distribution of housework, work-family conflict, and mental health. Jean E. Wallace, Ph.D.,   is a Professor of Sociology at the University of Calgary. She has studied professionals’ work attitudes, experiences, and organizational settings for over 20 years, with a recent shift in focus from lawyers to physicians. Her current research interests include well-being, work-life balance, job stress, and coping strategies.