Explaining International Differences in Post-Parenthood Earnings

The table below presents data for three different countries regarding the long-run earnings reduction experienced by women after having their first child, and the percentage of national wealth (GDP) each country invests in public subsidies for early childhood care and education.

Based only on the data provided in the table, which of the following statements most accurately describes the relationship between these two variables?

Policy Evaluation for Post-Parenthood Earnings Disparity

Match each described national context with the most likely long-run earnings outcome for women after childbirth.

The observation that the long-run earnings reduction for women after childbirth is significantly higher in some countries (e.g., over 60%) compared to others (e.g., approximately 20%) directly implies that women in the higher-penalty countries have weaker career ambitions on average.

Strategic Human Resource Planning in a Global Context

Research indicates that the long-run earnings reduction for women after having a child is significantly lower in Country A (around 20%) compared to Country B (over 50%). Based on economic principles, which of the following is the most plausible explanation for this disparity?

Critiquing a Policy on Post-Childbirth Job Security

Critiquing an Economic Argument on Parenthood and Earnings

Policy Proposal to Mitigate Post-Parenthood Earnings Disparity