  We examine the gender gap in income in Poland in relation to parenthood
status, employing the placebo event history method adapted to low-resolution
data (Polish Generations and Gender Survey). Our analysis reveals anticipatory
behavior in both women and men who expect to become parents. We observe a
decrease of approximately 20 percent in mothers' income post-birth. In
contrast, the income of fathers surpasses that of non-fathers both pre- and
post-birth, suggesting that the fatherhood child premium may be primarily
driven by selection. We note an increase (decrease) in hours worked for fathers
(mothers). Finally, we compare the gender gaps in income and wages between
women and men in the sample with those in a counterfactual scenario where the
entire population is childless. Our findings indicate no statistically
significant gender gaps in the counterfactual scenario, leading us to conclude
that parenthood drives the gender gaps in income and wages in Poland.
