Empirical Economics: Gender Inequality in the Labour Market
(WiSe 2026/27)
| Dozent/in | Prof. Natalia Danzer, Ph.D., und Piotr P. Larysz (M.Sc.) |
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Content & Aim of the Course
The aim of this course is to introduce students to modern microeconometric methods for policy evaluation aimed at estimating causal effects (treatment effects) in the area of labor economics. In the lecture part, we will cover empirical methods as well as basic labor economic theories with a focus on education and gender economics. The methodological introduction focuses on microeconometric methods of policy evaluation such as Instrumental Variables, Regression Discontinuity, Difference-in-Differences and Panel Data/Fixed Effects. We will discuss these methods in the context of current research questions related to differences in labor market behavior and outcomes between men and women in industrialized economies and developing countries. In the seminar part, students deepen and apply their knowledge while working on their own research projects. This includes critical reading and discussion of research papers applying these modern empirical methods to micro data. Moreover, students will learn how to work empirically using real-world micro data and perform empirical analyses using the statistical software package Stata (FU students can download the free campus license via ZEDAT to their personal computers or use the computer lab). At the end of the course, students will have acquainted the skills to (i) critically read, present, and discuss empirical journal articles in the field of labor economics, (ii) learn how to work with micro data, conduct first own analyses and (iii) write own research papers based on own empirical analyses.
Examples of research questions and topics
- How large is the gender pay gap and what are potential explanations of the gender pay gap?
- How do economic or family policies affect male and female labor supply and gender inequality?
- How do economists measure and test for discrimination in the labor market? Are quotas an effective policy tool?
- How do empirical economists assess the role of gender norms for labor market outcomes?
Introduction to the following empirical methods
- OLS and Causality, Omitted Variable Bias, Counterfactual, Potential Outcomes Framework
- Randomized Control Trials
- Instrumental Variables Approach
- Regression Discontinuity Design
- Panel Data Methods
- Difference-in-Difference Approach
Course language: English. The term paper can be written in either English or German.
Examination
- Term paper (about 12 pages); written in English or German
- Presentation of term paper (approximately 30 minutes)
Important Information on Registration!
The course is restricted to 24 students. To apply for the course, please send a short motivation (half a page max.) and your current transcript of records to ls-danzer@wiwiss.fu-berlin.de by October 12, 2026.
Contact