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Does Dowry Drive Labor Export? Evidence from Pakistan

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  • Ahmed Raza Cheema
  • Ian Coxhead

Abstract

In Pakistan, one household in six receives remittances from family members working elsewhere. Using household data from a national living standards survey, we find that propensity to receive remittances is strongly associated with a higher number of dependent girls relative to total children in a household. The effect is significant for younger households and for households with lower permanent income, and increases as girls approach expected marriage age. After controlling for other demographic and economic factors known to be associated with migration, we conclude that the need to save for dowry to be paid on the marriage of a daughter is likely to contribute to the labor export decision.

Suggested Citation

  • Ahmed Raza Cheema & Ian Coxhead, 2022. "Does Dowry Drive Labor Export? Evidence from Pakistan," The Developing Economies, Institute of Developing Economies, vol. 60(4), pages 173-205, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:deveco:v:60:y:2022:i:4:p:173-205
    DOI: 10.1111/deve.12334
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    Cited by:

    1. Coxhead,Ian & Jayasuriya,Sisira & Kurosaki,Takashi, 2023. "Is female labor immobility holding back industrialization in Pakistan?," IDE Discussion Papers 896, Institute of Developing Economies, Japan External Trade Organization(JETRO).

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