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Does gender equality in labor participation bring equality? Evidence from developing and developed countries

Author

Listed:
  • Federica Alfani

    (The World Bank Group)

  • Fabio Clementi

    (University of Macerata)

  • Michele Fabiani

    (University of Macerata)

  • Vasco Molini

    (The World Bank Group)

  • Enzo Valentini

    (University of Macerata)

Abstract

The female labor force participation (FLFP) has a strong and significant dis-equalizing impact in at least three groups of developing countries, and relatively low initial participation levels, based on a macro- and micro-data comparison, whereas, in developed countries, both a cross-country comparison and a literature review have shown that the relationship is tendentially equalizing. Based on a decile-level data analysis in developing countries, we found that the FLFP showed higher levels of returns among top deciles compared to the lower ones. This evidence emphasizes the importance of developing policies to encourage participation among women belonging to lower deciles of the income distribution.

Suggested Citation

  • Federica Alfani & Fabio Clementi & Michele Fabiani & Vasco Molini & Enzo Valentini, 2024. "Does gender equality in labor participation bring equality? Evidence from developing and developed countries," Empirical Economics, Springer, vol. 67(1), pages 289-311, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:empeco:v:67:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1007_s00181-023-02545-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s00181-023-02545-0
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Female labor force participation; Inequality; Gender equality; Developing countries;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C26 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Instrumental Variables (IV) Estimation
    • E24 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Employment; Unemployment; Wages; Intergenerational Income Distribution; Aggregate Human Capital; Aggregate Labor Productivity
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • O57 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Comparative Studies of Countries

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