Excerpt: Women, Work, and Economic Growth: Leveling the Playing Field

Excerpt: Women, Work, and Economic Growth: Leveling the Playing Field
ISBN-10
1475535856
ISBN-13
9781475535853
Category
Social Science
Pages
32
Language
English
Published
2016-09-09
Publisher
International Monetary Fund
Authors
Ms.Sonali Jain-Chandra, Ms.Monique Newiak, Ms.Kalpana Kochhar

Description

This paper analyzes various linkages and interconnections between gender inequality and the macroeconomy. The prevalence of gender inequality, particularly the presence of gender gaps in the labor force and in economic opportunities, can weigh on and impede inclusive growth. The precise nature of gender gaps varies, but in the majority of countries there are differences between men and women in decision-making power, economic participation, access to opportunities, and social norms and expectations. The analysis shows that gender gaps in pay and in access to resources, occupations, and credit, among other things, not only have negative microeconomic effects on women but also imply large costs for the aggregate economy. Differences in economic outcomes may be a consequence of unequal opportunities and enabling conditions for men and women and for boys and girls. Raising female participation could provide an important boost to growth, but women face two hurdles in participating in the workforce in Japan.

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