WHY THE GENDER-GAP IN WAGES NARROWED IN THE 1980S

Since 1976 the gender gap in wages on average declined by about 1 % pe r year. This article focuses on identifying the factors underlying thi s trend. Three data sets are analyzed-the Current Population Survey, t he Panel Study of Income Dynamics, and the National Longitudinal Surve y. We find that convergence in measurable work-related characteristics (schooling and work experience) explains one-third to one-half the na rrowing. The remainder is attributable to a relative increase in women 's returns to experience as well as to declining wages in blue-collar work and other factors.