|
on Gender |
|
Issue of 2026–08–24
four papers chosen by Jan Sauermann, Institutet för Arbetsmarknads- och Utbildningspolitisk Utvärdering |
| By: | Jain, Divyanshu (Plaksha University); Jain, Tarun (Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad) |
| Abstract: | This paper shows how math-intensive evaluation drives science gender gaps. Using question-level data from a large standardized exam in grades 3 to 10 in India, we find boys outperform girls in mathematics in each grade. In science, girls outperform boys in early grades when few questions are math-intensive, but underperform in later grades as math intensity increases. A substantial portion of the gender gap is explained by question type: girls perform comparably to boys on non-quantitative science questions, but underperform on quantitative ones across all grades. Conditional on previous year performance, girls face a larger penalty from increasing math intensity in science exams. These findings show that gender differences in science are primarily driven by quantitative content in science assessments, helping explain why gender gaps are concentrated in math-intensive science fields. Strengthening foundational mathematics skills and confidence for girls could reduce gender gaps in science, with implications for gender-based sorting in higher education and careers. |
| Keywords: | science achievement, gender gap, math-in-science, school education |
| JEL: | I21 I24 J16 |
| Date: | 2026–08–12 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:idd:wpaper:4 |
| By: | Julia Barbar (Doha Institute for Graduate Studies (Qatar, Doha)); Canan C. Mutlu (KSU - Kennesaw State University); Patricio Duran (University of Richmond (United States, Richmond) - UR); Jeffrey S. Harrison (University of Richmond (United States, Richmond) - UR); Marc van Essen (EM - EMLyon Business School) |
| Abstract: | This study examines the antecedents of female board representation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), a region with one of the lowest global rates of women in leadership but substantial crosscountry variation. We introduce the concept of firm–stakeholder tension—the misalignment between a firm's visible gender composition and the characteristics of key stakeholders—and develop hypotheses linking foreign ownership, industry female employment, legal equality, gender parity, and firm size to board diversity. Using a unique hand-collected dataset of 1197 publicly listed firms across 11 MENA countries, our findings show that pro-female foreign ownership, legal equality, and gender parity significantly increase female board presence, while larger firms reduce it; evidence for industry-level effects is weaker. These results advance stakeholder and institutional theories by demonstrating how visible misfits trigger adaptation pressures, but also how local societal norms can reverse expected relationships. Our dataset and context provide novel insights into gender diversity in institutionally challenging environments. Practically, the findings highlight the importance of aligning legal reforms with governance codes, enhancing transparency and enforcement, and embedding inclusive policies and leadership development within firms. Greater female representation can strengthen legitimacy with investors, regulators , and employees, while contributing to women's empowerment, social justice, and inclusive economic growth across the region. |
| Keywords: | Female directors, Gender diversity, Stakeholder theory |
| Date: | 2026–07–24 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05708332 |
| By: | Bellou, Andriana (University of Montreal); Cardia, Emanuela (University of Montreal) |
| Abstract: | This paper examines the short- and long-run effects of the Great Depression on college attainment by gender in the United States for cohorts born 1906–1920. Using state-level variation in Depression severity, we find that harsher conditions in the early 1930s are associated with small increases in educational attainment by 1940, with similar responses for men and women. Following these cohorts to 1960, more severe Depression exposure is linked to modest increases in men’s college attainment at the one- and two-year margins, with little effect on four-year completion. Women’s responses are more heterogeneous and generally imprecisely estimated. We further show that these patterns are stronger in areas with greater WWII mobilization: male attainment rises more strongly in highly mobilized states, while women’s responses remain limited and mixed. Overall, the results suggest that early-life exposure to the Depression, combined with wartime opportunities, may have contributed to modest gender differences in college attainment in the mid-twentieth century. |
| Keywords: | Great Depression, college gender gap, WWII mobilisation, GI Bill |
| JEL: | J1 N3 I0 |
| Date: | 2026–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18846 |
| By: | Baez, Javier E.; Garriga, Santiago; Perova, Elizaveta; Tyurkileri, Meliz |
| Abstract: | This study estimates the child penalty in Türkiye, defined as the negative impact of having a child on mothers' labor market outcomes. Utilizing the Survey of Income and Living Conditions data from 2006 to 2023, the analysis reveals a significant child penalty, which varies across regions within the country. Panel-based estimates show that women’s labor force participation drops by 44 percent in the year following child’s birth, while their employment rates decline by 40% percent. Additionally, for mothers who remained employed, their working hours decrease by approximately 7%, while the likelihood of informal employment increases by 69% three years after childbirth. The results highlight the persistence of the child penalty—lasting for at least 10 years after the birth of the first child—and stand in stark contrast to men’s labor market outcomes, which remain largely unchanged. The study identifies key factors that mitigate the penalty, including higher education, older age at birth, presence of grandmothers, availability of childcare services, and more progressive gender norms. The findings underscore the need for policy interventions that enhance gender equality in the labor market for mothers, such as expanding childcare services, promoting flexible work arrangements, and addressing gender norms. |
| Date: | 2026–05–27 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:11397 |