Journal of
Italian
Banking
Association
year 100
Italian
Banking
Association
year 100
Gender inequalities that do not cause a stir
Francesca BettioMay 2026 - n. 5
Keywords: Disuguaglianza di genere, disparità salariale
Jel codes: J16, J71, J31
Public debate on gender economic inequality typically focuses on the gender pay gap (Gpg), defined as the difference in hourly wages between men and women. However, the Gpg represents only a modest share of a much larger – and less widely recognized – overall earnings gap. Both the family and the State partially offset this disparity: the former through income pooling, and the latter through taxation and social security systems. This article argues that even after accounting for these redistributive mechanisms, women’s available income remains significantly lower than men’s. Two major consequences follow: the persistence of a substantial wealth gap and continued financial dependence. While this dependence has shifted in part from the family to the State, the associated risks have not disappeared. Instead, they have evolved, reinforcing the urgency of policies aimed at ensuring women’s financial independence.
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