Faustine Perrin
Senior lecturer
Can the historical gender gap index deepen our understanding of economic development?
Author
Summary, in English
Knowledge of the long relationship between gender equality and economic growth is hampered by the lack of information and resources on the various dimensions of gender equality. This paper is a first attempt to assess the size of the gender gap and investigate its relationship with economic growth from a historical perspective. Exploiting a unique census-based dataset of 86 French counties in the mid-nineteenth century, I construct a historical gender gap index measuring the size of the gap between men and women in three critical areas: economic opportunities, educational attainment, and health. A county comparison allows me to identify the strengths and weaknesses of French counties in closing the gender gap. I find that France can be divided into two main areas, the North and the South. In particular, the Northern counties that have done most to narrow the gap display better economic performance. Boys' and girls' education and family structures appear to be crucial determinants of gender equality. Gender equality is positively and significantly associated with economic performance. Accounting for the multi-dimensions of gender equality is crucial for economic development.
Department/s
- Centre for Economic Demography
- Department of Economic History
Publishing year
2022
Language
English
Pages
379-417
Publication/Series
Journal of demographic economics
Volume
88
Issue
3
Document type
Journal article
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
Topic
- Economic History
Keywords
- Development process
- France
- Gender equality
- Index
- Nineteenth century
- J16
- N33
- O11
Status
Published
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 2054-0892