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Patriarchal constraints and women’s employment: An analysis of the Mexican labour market

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study analyses the impact of gender-based subordination on women’s labour market outcomes in Mexico. Challenging the assumption of free choice in employment, we reveal how patriarchal constraints limit autonomy. Using Heckman and Heckprobit models, we examine the impact of subordination on wages, job benefits, job change and job satisfaction. Our results show that subordinated women participate less, earn lower wages, receive fewer benefits and report lower satisfaction and higher job-change intentions than independent women. Influenced women also, those whose autonomy has not been quashed but who are not independent, face significant barriers. Our findings highlight the need for policies promoting women’s autonomy to enhance economic inclusion and job quality, urging a re-evaluation of strategies for equitable global labour participation.

Source: Economic and Industrial Democracy

DOI: 10.1177/0143831x251383681

Authors: Imanol Nuñez, Andrea Ollo-López

Institutions: Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Instituto de Investigación Avanzada en Empresa y Economía

Language: English

Topic: Gender, Labor, and Family Dynamics

Subfield: Gender Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

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

Open Access status: green

Funder: Agencia Estatal de Investigación