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Laissez-Faire Economic Policy in a World Where Gender Income Gaps Exist: Helping or Hurting?

Author

Listed:
  • Joshua Hall

    (West Virginia University)

  • Amanda Ross

    (University of Alabama)

  • Jamie Bologna Pavlik

    (Texas Tech University)

Abstract

Using IPUMS data on U.S. states from 1980 to 2010, we examine the effect of economic freedom on the gender income gap. We find that economic freedom is positively related to an increase in the gender income gap. When we break up the index into its components, we find different effects of various types of policy. For example, we find that decreases in government spending and a lower minimum wage have a statistically significant and positive effect on gender income disparities across states.

Suggested Citation

  • Joshua Hall & Amanda Ross & Jamie Bologna Pavlik, 2020. "Laissez-Faire Economic Policy in a World Where Gender Income Gaps Exist: Helping or Hurting?," Journal of Economics, Race, and Policy, Springer, vol. 3(2), pages 144-158, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joerap:v:3:y:2020:i:2:d:10.1007_s41996-019-00044-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s41996-019-00044-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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