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The effects of South Korean Protestantism on human capital and female empowerment, 1930–2010

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  • Izumi, Yutaro
  • Park, Sangyoon
  • Yang, Hyunjoo

Abstract

We examine the short- and long-run effects of historical Protestant churches on human capital and female empowerment in South Korea by combining historical data on religious facilities and contemporary population census and social survey data. In the short run, we find a positive and significant effect of Protestant churches on women’s literacy and employment, but not on men’s. After almost a century, we find no strong relationship between historical Protestant churches and women’s educational attainment or economic and political empowerment.

Suggested Citation

  • Izumi, Yutaro & Park, Sangyoon & Yang, Hyunjoo, 2023. "The effects of South Korean Protestantism on human capital and female empowerment, 1930–2010," Journal of Comparative Economics, Elsevier, vol. 51(2), pages 422-438.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jcecon:v:51:y:2023:i:2:p:422-438
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jce.2023.01.006
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Protestantism; Human capital; Female empowerment; South Korea;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • N35 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Asia including Middle East
    • Z12 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Religion
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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