Occupational Gender Inequality among American Clergy, 1976–2016: Revisiting the Stained-Glass Ceiling

Abstract

The number of female clergy in the United States has steadily increased over the last 40years. Several occupational theories suggest that the ratio of males to females within an occupation can affect occupational income inequality. Previous research on clergy has found meaningful gender differences in pay. However, this research has focused on particular denominations and has not captured trends in the national clergy labor market. Using the Current Population Survey, we uncover patterns in occupational gender inequality among clergy at the national level. We find that among clergy, the female income disadvantage has changed from 60 cents on the dollar in 1976 to 93 cents on the dollar in 2016. However, 42 percent of the income gains for female clergy is explained by the slow rates of income growth among male clergy. We conclude by discussing unique features of occupational gender inequality within American congregations.