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Childcare and Mothers’ Labor Market Outcomes in Lower- and Middle-Income Countries

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  • Halim,Daniel Zefanya
  • Perova,Elizaveta
  • Reynolds,Sarah

Abstract

Improving women’s labor force participation and the quality of their employment can boosteconomic growth and support poverty and inequality reduction; thus, it is highly pertinent for the developmentagenda. However, most systematic reviews on female labor market outcomes and childcare, which can arguably improvethese outcomes, are focused on developed countries. This paper reviews 22 studies that plausibly identify the causalimpact of institutional childcare on maternal labor market outcomes in lower- and-middle-income countries. All but onestudy finds positive impacts on the extensive or intensive margin of maternal labor market outcomes, which aligns withfindings for developed countries. The paper further analyzes aspects of childcare design, including hours, ages ofchildren, and coordination with other childcare services that may increase the impacts on maternal labor marketoutcomes. The paper concludes with a discussion of directions for future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Halim,Daniel Zefanya & Perova,Elizaveta & Reynolds,Sarah, 2021. "Childcare and Mothers’ Labor Market Outcomes in Lower- and Middle-Income Countries," Policy Research Working Paper Series 9828, The World Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:9828
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lo Bue, Maria C. & Le, Tu Thi Ngoc & Santos Silva, Manuel & Sen, Kunal, 2022. "Gender and vulnerable employment in the developing world: Evidence from global microdata," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 159(C).
    2. Biscaye,Pierre E. & Egger,Dennis Timo & Pape,Utz Johann, 2022. "Balancing Work and Childcare : Evidence from COVID-19 School Closures and Reopenings in Kenya," Policy Research Working Paper Series 9958, The World Bank.

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