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Attitudes, Policies and Work

Author

Listed:
  • Francesco Giavazzi

    (IGIER, Bocconi University)

  • Fabio Schiantarelli

    (Boston College
    IZA)

  • Michel Serafinelli

    (University of California, Berkeley)

Abstract

We study whether cultural attitudes towards gender, the young, and leisure are significant determinants of the employment rates of women and of the young, and of hours worked. We do this controlling for policies, institutions and other structural characteristics of the economy which may ináuence labor market outcomes. We identify a country-specific effect of culture exploiting the evolution over time within country as well as across countries, of cultural attitudes. We also address the endogeneity of attitudes, policies and institutions, and allow for the persistent nature of labor market outcomes. We find that culture matters for women employment rates and for hours worked. However, policies, in particular employment protection legislation and taxes, are also important and their quantitative impact substantial.

Suggested Citation

  • Francesco Giavazzi & Fabio Schiantarelli & Michel Serafinelli, 2009. "Attitudes, Policies and Work," Boston College Working Papers in Economics 714, Boston College Department of Economics, revised 13 Feb 2012.
    • Handle: RePEc:boc:bocoec:714
    Note: previously circulated as "Culture, Policies and Labor Market Outcomes"
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    culture; attitudes; labor market outcomes;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • J23 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Demand
    • Z1 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics

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