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on Gender |
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Issue of 2025–11–17
six papers chosen by Jan Sauermann, Institutet för Arbetsmarknads- och Utbildningspolitisk Utvärdering |
| By: | Bertoli, P.;; Grembi, V.;; Slegerova, L.; |
| Abstract: | We investigate the role of gender norms in explaining variations in the incidence of hysterectomies (i.e., removal of uterus) for benign conditions, the second most common surgical procedure after a cesarean section for women. Using data from Italy-a country with a degree of heterogeneous gender norms-we show that the more traditional the perception of the female role is, the higher the incidence of hysterectomies for benign conditions for women in older cohorts . We attribute these results to the fact that the uterus is associated with reproductive function and not with gender identity. To support this interpretation, we show how gender norms are negatively correlated with the incidence of both mastectomies (i.e., removal of the breast) and prostatectomies for benign conditions (i.e., removal of the prostate) for men. To test the role of gender norms in explaining some of these avoidable procedures, we exploit the impact of the introduction of automatic constraints on healthcare expenditures triggered by the adoption of so-called regional repayment plans. Using a staggered difference-in-differences approach, we show that the introduction of a repayment plan reduced the incidence of hysterectomies for benign conditions by 4-8%, depending on the age group, but less so in regions with more conservative gender norms. |
| Keywords: | hysterectomy; gender norms; |
| JEL: | I11 I18 J16 |
| Date: | 2025–11 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:yor:hectdg:25/09 |
| By: | Adamus, Magdalena (Masaryk University); Guzi, Martin (Masaryk University); Ballová Mikušková, Eva (Slovak Academy of Sciences) |
| Abstract: | The paper investigates gender biases and differential treatment of women and men in the business start-up phase. A sample of 498 entrepreneurs from Slovakia participated in an online experiment and evaluated three fictitious business plans in terms of the applicants’ competence, likeability, and business ability. The start-ups were positioned in three different sectors—cosmetics production, services provision, and software development—where men’s and women’s chances of success may be viewed differently. Following Goldberg’s paradigm, half of the evaluators received business plans presented as written by female and half by male applicants; otherwise the plans were identical. Results imply that female applicants are assessed similarly to male applicants, but more masculine evaluators assess women’s business plans and their potential in entrepreneurship more critically. The study advises caution in recommending more female evaluators in the business plan assessment. If women who become involved in entrepreneurship are excessively masculine and masculinity is associated with a less favourable evaluation of potential female entrepreneurs, such policies could backfire against women, putting them in a more disadvantaged position. |
| Keywords: | Goldberg paradigm, start-up, entrepreneurship, masculinity, gender identity, gender-role theory |
| JEL: | J16 M13 L26 |
| Date: | 2025–11 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18245 |
| By: | Becker, Sascha O. (University of Warwick and Monash University); Bentzen, Jeanet Sinding (University of Copenhagen); Kok, Chun Chee (Université Catholique de Louvain) |
| Abstract: | This paper provides a survey of the literature on gender differences in religiosity and the influence of religion on gender-related economic and social outcomes. Part I examines why women tend to be more religious than men, discussing central explanations. Part II explores how religion impacts various gender-related outcomes, such as gender norms and attitudes, education, labor market participation, fertility, health, legal institutions and reforms, and discrimination. Within each domain, we distinguish between effects driven by individual religiosity (intensity of religious practice or belief) and those driven by their religious denomination. We synthesize findings from numerous studies, highlighting data sources, measures of religion and gender outcomes, and empirical strategies. We focus on studies with credible causal identification - such as natural experiments, instrumental variable approaches, and policy changes - to uncover the impact of religion on outcomes. Correlational studies are also reviewed to provide context. Across studies, the evidence suggests that religious teachings and participation often reinforce traditional gender roles, affecting women's education, labor force participation, and fertility choices, although there are important nuances and exceptions. We also document instances where secular reforms or religious movements have altered these outcomes. The survey concludes by identifying gaps in the literature and suggesting directions for future research. An important take-away from our review is that rigorous empirical studies are scarce, leaving room for novel causal studies in this field. |
| Keywords: | JEL Classification: |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cge:wacage:780 |
| By: | Daina CHIBA; Yoshikuni ONO |
| Abstract: | Research in advanced democracies documents the “first-daughter effect, †whereby fathers of firstborn daughters express more egalitarian views on gender roles. However, evidence from non-Western contexts remains scarce and inconclusive. This study examines whether the first-daughter effect holds in Japan, a country characterized by stable democratic institutions but enduring gender inequality. Using nationally representative survey data from 2000 to 2018 and quasi-random assignment of first child sex, we demonstrate that Japanese fathers with firstborn daughters exhibit significantly more gender-egalitarian attitudes. They also express greater support for gender equality policy reforms. These effects are confined to gender-related domains and do not extend to broader political ideology. Raising daughters can reshape core political attitudes, even within culturally conservative settings. |
| Date: | 2025–11 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eti:dpaper:25104 |
| By: | Ewa Cukrowska-Torzewska (Interdisciplinary Centre for Labour Market and Family Dynamics (LabFam), Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Warsaw); Anna Matysiak (Interdisciplinary Centre for Labour Market and Family Dynamics (LabFam), Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Warsaw); Agnieszka Kasperska (Interdisciplinary Centre for Labour Market and Family Dynamics (LabFam), Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Warsaw); Gayle Kaufman (Davidson College) |
| Abstract: | This study provides causal evidence on the hiring and pay penalties associated with taking parental leave of varying lengths. We investigate how deviations from prevailing social norms, in the form of non-standard leave-taking behavior by mothers and fathers, affect their employment outcomes. We also compare the parental leave penalties with those linked to unemployment to disentangle the determinants of these penalties and to identify the mechanisms through which they operate. To this end, we conducted a discrete choice experiment with 997 managers, who evaluated hypothetical job candidates differing in the length of employment interruptions due to parental leave. Using a conditional logit model, we find that both mothers and fathers face disadvantages in hiring and remuneration when taking longer parental leave. Notably, fathers are penalized for taking any parental leave, though the penalties are more severe for longer leave. These poorer employability prospects stem from managers perceiving such fathers as less available for work. Meanwhile, mothers receive hiring and pay bonuses for taking shorter leaves, stemming from employer perceptions of such mothers as more available, competent, and motivated. |
| Keywords: | Energy parental leave, family policies, employment, wages, gender norms, ideal worker norms |
| JEL: | J13 J16 J22 J31 |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:war:wpaper:2025-27 |
| By: | Juliana Jaramillo-Echeverri; Andrea Otero-Cortés; Ana María Tribín-Uribe; Marta Juanita Villaveces-Niño |
| Abstract: | This study examines the historical transformations in time use and gender roles in Colombia throughout the 20th century and their persistence in contemporary patterns. Drawing on census microdata and the 2016–2017 and 2020–2021 National Time Use Surveys, we document the evolution of paid and unpaid work across five generations of women and men. The findings confirm a swift increase in female labour force participation, particularly among highly educated women. However, the redistribution of household care lags, with perceptions of gender roles and social norms persisting. While women have succeeded in gaining a space in the public sphere, the division of unpaid work remains unequal, especially when kids are present in the household. Our analysis highlights the need for broader societal and policy interventions to address these structural disparities. **** RESUMEN: Este estudio examina las transformaciones históricas en el uso del tiempo y los roles de género en Colombia a lo largo del siglo XX, así como su persistencia hoy en día. A partir de microdatos censales y de las Encuestas Nacionales de Uso del Tiempo 2016–2017 y 2020–2021, documentamos la evolución del trabajo remunerado y no remunerado en cinco generaciones de mujeres y hombres. Los resultados muestran un rápido incremento en la participación femenina en el mercado laboral, particularmente entre las mujeres con mayores niveles educativos. Sin embargo, la redistribución de las responsabilidades de cuidado doméstico avanza a un ritmo más lento, con percepciones tradicionales sobre los roles de género y normas sociales que persisten en el tiempo, sobre todo cuando hay niños en el hogar. Nuestro análisis sugiere que aún se requieren intervenciones sociales y de política pública para enfrentar estas desigualdades estructurales. |
| Keywords: | Gender, social norms, paid work, non-paid work, time-use, Género, normas sociales, trabajo remunerado, trabajo no remunerado, uso del tiempo |
| JEL: | J16 J22 J13 |
| Date: | 2025–11 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:bdr:cheedt:66 |