Social Norms as a Barrier to Women’s Employment in Developing Countries

Abstract

provides economic analysis and policy advice with the aim of promoting sustainable and equitable development. The Institute began operations in 1985 in Helsinki, Finland, as the first research and training centre of the United Nations University. Today it is a unique blend of think tank, research institute, and UN agency -providing a range of services from policy advice to governments as well as freely available original research.The Institute is funded through income from an endowment fund with additional contributions to its work programme from Finland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom as well as earmarked contributions for specific projects from a variety of donors.

The Associations between Childhood Experiences and Occupational Choice Capability, and the Mediation of Societal Gender Roles

“…Gender-based discrimination in working life differentiates women and men, affects their access to social resources, and causes inequality [ 98 ]. The inequality becomes a serious obstacle to women and society’s economic, political, and cultural development [ 99 , 100 , 101 , 102 ]. The roles assigned to women within the traditional values of family and society play an essential role in choosing professions.…”

“…As a result, they are exposed to gender-based discrimination in their social and working life [ 95 , 105 ]. However, many countries have been developing projects, policies, and action plans to change this situation and contribute to women’s development and democratization, in all sectors [ 100 , 102 , 103 ].…”

“…Due to the belief that men have very different and superior abilities to women in business life, it is suggested that their primary duty is to provide for themselves while their spouses take care of the housework [ 95 ]. The belief that men should do repair and maintenance, and women should carry out jobs such as childcare and cooking can also be supported by women [ 102 , 109 ]. As family function sexism increases, individuals may ignore or excuse domestic violence [ 110 ].…”

“…The concept of the “Glass Ceiling” is defined as an invisible and difficult overcome obstacle that prevents women or individuals from other races from reaching the highest level in organizations, regardless of their achievements and abilities [ 117 ]. This obstacle includes elements such as not allowing women to reach senior positions [ 102 , 118 , 119 ]. However, a small number of women who have succeeded in reaching senior positions are in human resources and research positions [ 120 ].…”

Gender and vulnerable employment in the developing world: Evidence from global microdata

“…Often, vulnerable employment constitutes the only type of activities that is compatible with the constraints imposed on women by unpaid domestic work. 12 These constraints are interlinked with social norms on women's 'appropriate' role in society that often hinder women's access to better labour market opportunities, in particular paid employment outside the home (e.g., Boserup 1970;Heintz et al 2018;Jayachandran 2021).…”