Do men and women earn different wages, and what may influence that difference?
Exploring how existing national survey data was reused to better understand wage differences between men and women in Trinidad and Tobago, generating locally relevant research and evidence-based insights.
Household Budget Survey reference period
Age group identified with more pronounced wage differences
Analytical approaches: regression analysis and Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition
Understanding Wage Differences Through National Data
National surveys provide valuable information about the economic and social conditions of Trinidad and Tobago. Beyond their original statistical purpose, these datasets can also support independent research and generate new insights into national challenges.
Researchers examined the gender wage gap in Trinidad and Tobago using data from the 2008/2009 Household Budget Survey conducted by the Central Statistical Office (CSO).
The study explored differences between male and female wages and investigated how these differences varied across employment sectors, income groups and demographic characteristics.
How the Research Was Conducted
The researchers applied established statistical techniques to analyse wage differences and investigate factors associated with those differences.
Regression Analysis
Used to examine relationships between wages and characteristics such as employment sector, income group and demographic factors.
Oaxaca-Blinder Decomposition
A statistical technique used to investigate how much of an observed wage gap is associated with measured characteristics and how much remains unexplained by the model.
What the Research Revealed
The study identified a statistically significant difference between male and female wages at the aggregate level for the period examined.
The findings also highlighted differences across particular demographic and employment groups.
Age Group: 35–44
Wage differences were reported as more pronounced among individuals in this age group.
Income: TT$3,000–$5,999
The research identified notable wage differences within this income category.
Private Sector Employment
Gender wage differences were found to be more pronounced in private sector employment.
Public Sector Comparison
The study examined differences between public and private sector wage outcomes, highlighting variations between the sectors.
These findings relate to the historical survey period studied and should not be interpreted as measurements of current wage conditions in Trinidad and Tobago.
Why This Is an Example of Innovation
The innovation demonstrated by this research was not the creation of a new national survey or statistical method.
Instead, existing government-produced data was applied to a specific national research question, generating additional value from information that had already been collected.
This demonstrates how responsible reuse of official data can support research, deepen national understanding and contribute to evidence-based discussion and decision-making.
Why This Matters for Trinidad and Tobago
Understanding wage differences is important for examining labour market outcomes, economic opportunity and the experiences of different groups within the workforce.
Better National Understanding
Provides locally relevant evidence about historical wage differences and labour market characteristics.
Research Opportunities
Demonstrates how official datasets can support academic, economic and policy-oriented research.
Evidence-Informed Discussion
Helps researchers and policymakers examine labour market questions using documented statistical evidence.
How Was This Made Possible?
The research was enabled by the production of official national statistics and their subsequent reuse for economic analysis.
01
Central Statistical Office (CSO)
Trinidad and Tobago's national statistical authority, responsible for conducting the 2008/2009 Household Budget Survey and producing official statistical data.
02
Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago
Research institution associated with the analysis and interpretation of the national survey data.
Dataset Used in the Research
Household Budget Survey 2008/2009
Data owner: Central Statistical Office (CSO), Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
The underlying dataset is not currently published online through the identified public data sources. Follow-up with the data owner is required to confirm its publication status, access conditions and suitability for wider public use.
Evidence and Reference Sources
The following research publication documents the analysis and findings discussed in this use case.
Influences on the Gender Wage Gap of Trinidad and Tobago
Ramrattan, D. et al. - Research publicationResearch examining gender wage differences in Trinidad and Tobago using historical national household survey data.
Household Budget Survey 2008/2009
Central Statistical Office, Trinidad and TobagoUnderlying national dataset. Public download link not currently available.