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The Role of Culture on Female Labor Supply: Evidence from Turkey

Author

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  • Akyol, Pelin

    (Bilkent University)

  • Okten, Cagla

    (Bilkent University)

Abstract

This paper investigates the effect of culture on female labor market outcomes using new micro-level data on two distinct Muslim denominations in Turkey: Sunni and Alevi Muslims. We find a positive and significant effect of being an Alevi Muslim on female labor force participation and employment probability compared to a Sunni Muslim whereas there are no significant differences in male labor market outcomes between the two denominations. We provide evidence that Alevi Muslims have more gender equal views regarding the role of women in the labor market and argue that differences in gender views drive the results.

Suggested Citation

  • Akyol, Pelin & Okten, Cagla, 2019. "The Role of Culture on Female Labor Supply: Evidence from Turkey," IZA Discussion Papers 12620, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp12620
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    Cited by:

    1. Demirel-Derebasoglu, Merve & Okten, Cagla, 2020. "Gender Gap in Intergenerational Educational Persistence: Can Compulsory Schooling Reduce It?," IZA Discussion Papers 13362, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    2. Merve Demirel-Derebasoglu & Cagla Okten, 2022. "Gender Gap in Intergenerational Educational Persistence: Can Compulsory Schooling Reduce It?," Population Research and Policy Review, Springer;Southern Demographic Association (SDA), vol. 41(5), pages 2037-2083, October.
    3. Akar, Betul & Akyol, Pelin & Okten, Cagla, 2019. "Education and Prosocial Behavior: Evidence from Time Use Survey," IZA Discussion Papers 12558, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    female labor force participation; culture; gender;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure

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