Work

Gender-Discriminatory Laws and Women’s Economic Agency

Year: 2018

Type: article

Abstract: Recent years have seen widespread advances in women’s legal rights in many countries. In other places, restrictions on women’s autonomy remain entrenched. This study explores cross-country patterns in the association between gender-discriminatory legislation and various indicators of women’s economic agency. We find that restrictions on legal capacity predict women’s asset ownership and labor force participation, while discrimination in wage work and parental leave are associated with the size and direction of wage gaps. These findings highlight the importance of conceptualizing and measuring legal rights and their potential effects as multidimensional.

Source: Social Politics International Studies in Gender State & Society

DOI: 10.1093/sp/jxy042

Authors: Mala Htun, Francesca R Jensenius, Jami Nelson-Nuñez

Institutions: University of New Mexico, Norwegian Institute of International Affairs, University of Oslo

Language: English

Topic: Gender, Labor, and Family Dynamics

Subfield: Gender Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Gender equality, Reduced inequalities, Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: Norges Forskningsråd