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The Historical Gender Gap Index: A Longitudinal and Spatial Assessment of Sweden, 1870–1990

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: This paper investigates the evolution of gender equality in Sweden during a phase characterized by industrialization, urbanization, and demographic transition. To this end, we build a database with quantitative indicators to construct a spatial Historical Gender Gap Index. We find that after a period of stagnation, Sweden made significant progress in closing the gender gap from the 1940s onward to reach the high level of gender equality that it is now famous for. The empirical exploration of the relationship between gender equality and economic development reveals that regions displaying higher gender equality performed economically better than less gender-equal regions.

Source: The Journal of Economic History

DOI: 10.1017/s0022050723000359

Authors: Faustine Perrin, Tobias Karlsson, Joris Kok

Institutions: Lund University, International Institute of Social History

Language: English

Topic: Historical Economic and Social Studies

Subfield: Economics and Econometrics

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Gender equality, Reduced inequalities, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,255