Does gender discrimination in social institutions matter for long-term growth?

Abstract

This series of working papers is intended to disseminate the Development Centre's research findings rapidly among specialists in the field concerned. These papers are generally available in the original English or French, with a summary in the other language. OECD Working Papers should not be reported as representing the official views of the OECD or of its member countries. The opinions expressed and arguments employed are those of the authors. This document and any map included herein are without prejudice to the status of or sovereignty over any territory, to the delimitation of international frontiers and boundaries and to the name of any territory, city or area. Working Papers describe preliminary results or research in progress by the author(s) and are published to stimulate discussion on a broad range of issues on which the OECD works. Comments on Working Papers are welcomed, and may be sent to the OECD Development Centre,

Children lose confidence in their potential to “be scientists”, but not in their capacity to “do science”

“…There is a pressing need to expand and diversify the workforce in science and technology. The underrepresentation of women and racial/ethnic minority groups constrains scientific innovation (Bell, Jaravel, Petkova, & Reena, 2017) and has economic ramifications for both underrepresented groups and the economy as a whole (Ferrant & Kolev, 2016;Ferrant & Nowacka, 2015). Although numerous factors conjointly shape educational and occupational outcomes, these endpoints are constrained by developmental pathways that begin in early childhood (Eccles, Wigfield, Harold, & Blumenfeld, 1993).…”

Making growth more inclusive in Thailand

“…Women and men are happier when living in a country guaranteeing equal rights and opportunities to women and men (Ferrant et al, 2017). Discriminatory social institutions hamper growth by lowering both female levels of education and labour force participation, as well as productivity (Ferrant and Kolev, 2016). Increasing the labour force participation rate of educated women will be particularly important in countries with ageing populations such as Thailand, as witnessed in the case of Japan (Kawaguchi and Mori, 2017).…”

Gender Inequality in West African Social Institutions

“…Gender parity is not only a fundamental human right but it is also an immense economic opportunity: economies are more resilient, productive and inclusive when they reduce gender inequalities and actively support the equal participation of women and girls in all spheres of life (Ferrant and Kolev, 2016;World Bank, 2012).…”

“…Discriminatory social institutions negatively impact economic growth and social well-being, by restricting women's access to education and job opportunities. Globally, the income loss associated with current levels of gender discrimination in social institutions is estimated at over USD 12 trillion, or an equivalent of 16% of current global GDP (Ferrant and Kolev, 2016).…”

“…The current level of gender discrimination in social institutions induces a loss of USD 12 trillion, or 16% of global income. For West African countries, the total loss is USD 120 billion (Ferrant and Kolev, 2016).…”