The Role of Structural Fiscal Policy on Female Labor Force Participation in OECD Countries
The Role of Structural Fiscal Policy on Female Labor Force Participation in OECD Countries

Author: Miyoko Asai

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2023-09-08

Total Pages: 51

ISBN-13:

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This paper examines the role of structural fiscal policies to promote female labor force participation and reduce gender gaps in labor markets in 26 OECD countries from 2000 to 2019. As both female labor force participation and many explanatory/control variables clearly exhibit non-stationarity (potentially leading to spurious regression results), we employ a panel vector error-correction model, in contrast with most previous empirical studies on this matter. Our analyses confirm statistically significant positive impacts of government spending on (1) early childcare and education, (2) active labor market programs, and (3) unemployment benefits, all of which would help encourage women to enter the labor force, while (4) an increase in relative tax rate on second earner could have negative impact on female labor force participation.

Women in the Labor Force
Women in the Labor Force

Author: Anna Fruttero

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2020-02-16

Total Pages: 42

ISBN-13: 1513529137

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Despite the increase in female labor force participation over the past three decades, women still do not have the same opportunities as men to participate in economic activities in most countries. The average female labor force participation rate across countries is still 20 percentage points lower than the male rate, and gender gaps in wages and access to education persist. As shown by earlier work, including by the IMF, greater gender equality boosts economic growth and leads to better development and social outcomes. Gender equality is also one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that 193 countries committed to achieve by 2030.

Countercyclical Fiscal Policy and Gender Employment: Evidence from the G-7 Countries
Countercyclical Fiscal Policy and Gender Employment: Evidence from the G-7 Countries

Author: Mr.Bernardin Akitoby

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2019-01-11

Total Pages: 33

ISBN-13: 1484390059

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Would countercyclical fiscal policy during recessions improve or worsen the gender employment gap? We give an answer to this question by exploring the state-dependent impact of fiscal spending shocks on employment by gender in the G-7 countries. Using the local projection method, we find that, during recessions, a positive spending shock of 1 percent of GDP would, on average, lift female employment by 1 percent, while increasing male employment by 0.6 percent. Consequently such a shock would improve the female share of employment by 0.28 percentage point during recessions. Our findings are driven by disproportionate employment changes in female-friendly industries, occupations, and part-time jobs in response to fiscal spending shocks. The analysis suggests that fiscal stimulus, particularly during recessions, could achieve the twin objectives of supporting aggregate demand and improving gender gaps.

Fiscal Policy and Long-Term Growth
Fiscal Policy and Long-Term Growth

Author: International Monetary Fund

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2015-04-20

Total Pages: 257

ISBN-13: 1498344658

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This paper explores how fiscal policy can affect medium- to long-term growth. It identifies the main channels through which fiscal policy can influence growth and distills practical lessons for policymakers. The particular mix of policy measures, however, will depend on country-specific conditions, capacities, and preferences. The paper draws on the Fund’s extensive technical assistance on fiscal reforms as well as several analytical studies, including a novel approach for country studies, a statistical analysis of growth accelerations following fiscal reforms, and simulations of an endogenous growth model.

Fiscal Expansions, Unemployment, and Labor Force Participation
Fiscal Expansions, Unemployment, and Labor Force Participation

Author: Markus Bruckner

Publisher:

Published: 2012

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13:

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Structural VARs indicate that for many OECD countries labor force participation, employment, and the unemployment rate significantly increase following increases in government expenditures under a variety of specifications and identification schemes. Fiscal expansions also tend to increase real wages. Existing models have difficulties in generating such responses. We show that the empirical regularities can be reproduced with two additions into a standard New Keynesian model with matching frictions: (a) a labor force participation choice and (b) workers' heterogeneity.

The Employment and Unemployment of Women in OECD Countries
The Employment and Unemployment of Women in OECD Countries

Author: Liba Paukert

Publisher:

Published: 1984

Total Pages: 100

ISBN-13:

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This report examines the major trends in women's employment and unemployment over the past two decades in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development member countries. Employment and unemployment trends in the labor force by sex are first considered. The report next examines the growth of the female labor supply and the trends in the labor force participation of women with an analysis of the factors responsible for these developments. It then analyzes the growth of the demand for female labor sector by sector and the development of part-time work, short-term and casual employment, the impact of technological change, and male and female earnings differentials as they have characterized female employment trends. On the basis of these developments, which are reviewed on the two sides of the labor market, the report examines in a comparative way the movements over conjunctural cycles of male and female unemployment and the reasons for its development. Twenty-three tables are included. (YLB)

Women, Work, and the Economy
Women, Work, and the Economy

Author: Ms.Katrin Elborgh-Woytek

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2013-12-01

Total Pages: 42

ISBN-13: 1484371240

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The proposed SDN discusses the specific macro-critical aspects of women’s participation in the labor market and the constraints that prevent women from developing their full economic potential. Building on earlier Fund analysis, work undertaken by other organizations and academic research, the SDN presents possible policies to overcome these obstacles in different types of countries.

Western Balkans: Increasing Women's Role in the Economy
Western Balkans: Increasing Women's Role in the Economy

Author: Mr.Ruben V Atoyan

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2017-09-01

Total Pages: 28

ISBN-13: 1484315561

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The Western Balkan countries have some of the lowest female labor force participation and employment rates across Europe. Almost two-thirds of working age women in the region are either inactive or unemployed: a huge bite into human capital for a region that endures high emigration and faces declining working age population. The paper uses both macro- and micro-level data to explore what explains low participation and employment rates among women in the region. Our findings show that improving educational attainment, having a more balanced family leave policy, and reducing tax wedge help improve participation of women in the labor force. However, these measures are not enough to notably improve employability of women, which require stronger growth supported by robust institutions.

China's Rebalancing and Gender Inequality
China's Rebalancing and Gender Inequality

Author: International Monetary Fund

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2021-05-11

Total Pages: 27

ISBN-13: 1513573772

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This paper examines gender inequality in the context of structural transformation and rebalancing in China. We document declining women's relative wages and labor force participation in China during the last two decades, despite rapid growth and expansion of the service sector. Using household data, we provide evidence consistent with a U-shaped relationship between economic development and women's labor market outcomes. Using a model of structural transformation, we show that labor market barriers for women have increased over time. Model counterfactuals suggest that removing these barriers and increasing service sector productivity can boost both gender equality and economic growth in China.