Final answer:
The earnings of childless women and mothers who took extended career breaks differ significantly, leading to a 'motherhood penalty,' whereas married men often see a 'fatherhood bonus' in their earnings compared to single men.
Step-by-step explanation:
The comparison between the earnings of childless women and mothers who took an extended leave from the workforce by the age of 40 suggests a notable disparity, often referred to as the "motherhood penalty." Childless women with the same education and experience as men typically receive comparable pay. In contrast, mothers who interrupt their careers for family responsibilities, often taking over 3 years off, tend to earn about 7% to 14% less than their childless female counterparts with similar qualifications and work experience. Men, on the other hand, tend to experience a "fatherhood bonus," with married men earning about 10% to 15% more than single men with equivalent backgrounds.