We are continuing the ROCKWOOL Foundation Handbook Masterclass Series, based on the Handbook of Labour Economics. In this series we invite contributed authors of handbook chapters to Berlin for in-depth, two-day teaching sessions. This time, we are happy to welcome Barbara Petrongolo for the next masterclass in the series.
RFBerlin Masterclass by Barbara Petrongolo: 18-19 September 2025
For our third Masterclass, we are thrilled to welcome Barbara Petrongolo, Professor of Economics at the University of Oxford, Fellow of the British Academy, and Research Associate at the Centre for Economic Performance at the London School of Economics. Her research focuses on gender, labor markets, social policy, and labor economics, with a strong emphasis on the intersection between policy and inequality.

In their chapter “The Evolution of Gender in the Labor Market,” Barbara Petrongolo, Claudia Olivetti, and Jessica Pan review how the academic study of gender in the labor market has evolved over the past four decades: This chapter traces the evolution of the study of gender in the labor market, focusing on how academic thinking on this topic has evolved alongside real world developments in gender inequality from the 1980s to the present. We present a simple model of female labor supply to illustrate how various forces discussed in the literature (e.g., productivity differentials, unequal gender roles, wage markdowns) affect the gender earnings gap. A major development in the literature is a clearer distinction between intrinsic differences in preferences and skills between men and women versus differential constraints in driving gender gaps. We discuss insights from research on the relative importance of these explanations, and the implications for economic efficiency. We highlight that much of the literature today emphasizes the relevance of gendered constraints, where women and men typically face differential trade-offs between family and career, with implications for job sorting, job search, and earnings. These constraints have their roots in gender roles within the household that are shaped by wider societal norms. We review recent research that establishes the relevance of identity and norms for understanding gender inequalities in the labor market, both on the supply-side and on the demand-side, as well as what drives the formation and evolution of these norms. Finally, we conclude with suggestions for future research.
This masterclass provides a unique opportunity, with plenty of time for discussion and direct interaction with Professor Petrongolo. Participants will be able to ask questions and engage in conversations with one of the leading voices in labor economics.
Event Details:
18 September 2025
Two morning classes (~60 min each)
Two afternoon classes (~60 min each)
19 September 2025
Two morning classes (~60 min each)
An afternoon seminar
The detailed schedule and further information will be shared with successful applicants closer to the event.
Application Process:
Call Opens: 22 July 2025
Application Deadline: 15 August 2025
Decision Notification: 19 August 2025, subject to adjustment based on the volume of applications received.
To apply, please use the application form below. Participation is free, but travel and accommodation costs are not covered. Applications are open to PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career academics.
If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to contact us using the form or email us at [email protected]
We look forward to welcoming you to Berlin and sharing this experience with you.