Gender inequality in employment: Editors' introduction

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to reflect upon the relationship between the causes of gender inequality in employment and policies designed to eliminate or ameliorate it. When this is brought into focus, some fundamental shortcomings in policy emerge from the shadows. It also provides a thumbnail sketch of the four other papers that make up this special issue. Design/methodology/approach - The paper is a theoretical reflection, with lessons for practice. Findings - The paper: establishes that gender inequality in employment exists; considers the main causes of gender inequality in employment; and evaluates the effectiveness of the main policies dealing with these causes. Practical implications - Policy makers must reflect far more thoroughly on the causes of gender inequality in employment, and tailor their policies to address them. Originality/value - It is one of only a few papers dealing with the relationship between the causes of gender inequality in employment and policies designed to eliminate or ameliorate it.