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Explaining gender differences in preference for self-employment among tertiary graduates in Ghana

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  • Kehinde Ajayi
  • Nana Akua Anyidoho

Abstract

We examine gender differences in ambitions and expectations of jobseekers concerning self-employment, an increasingly proposed option for youth in economies with limited wage employment. Analysing survey data on 2,036 tertiary graduates in Ghana, we find that males have a stronger preference for self-employment. This is mostly explained by differences in educational background and work experience, and less by financial assets and family background. Personal traits (such as self-esteem or 'grit') do not explain gender differences.

Suggested Citation

  • Kehinde Ajayi & Nana Akua Anyidoho, 2017. "Explaining gender differences in preference for self-employment among tertiary graduates in Ghana," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2017-147, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    • Handle: RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2017-147
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Fafchamps, Marcel & McKenzie, David & Quinn, Simon & Woodruff, Christopher, 2014. "Microenterprise growth and the flypaper effect: Evidence from a randomized experiment in Ghana," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 106(C), pages 211-226.
    2. Kehinde F. Ajayi & Marric Buessing, 2015. "Gender Parity and Schooling Choices," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 51(5), pages 503-522, May.
    3. de Mel, Suresh & McKenzie, David & Woodruff, Christopher, 2014. "Business training and female enterprise start-up, growth, and dynamics: Experimental evidence from Sri Lanka," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 106(C), pages 199-210.
    4. Candida G. Brush, 1992. "Research on Women Business Owners: Past Trends, a New Perspective and Future Directions," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 16(4), pages 5-30, July.
    5. Deon Filmer & Louise Fox, 2014. "Youth Employment in Sub-Saharan Africa [L’emploi des jeunes en Afrique subsaharienne - Rapport complet]," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 16608.
    6. World Bank, 2012. "World Development Report 2012 [Rapport sur le développement dans le monde 2012]," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 4391.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kehinde F. Ajayi & Nana Akua Anyidoho, 2022. "Self‐employment preferences among university graduates in Ghana: Does gender make a difference?," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 40(2), March.

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