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Globalisation and the Gender Earnings Gap: Evidence from Sri Lanka and Cambodia 1992-2015

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  • Robertson, Raymond

    (Texas A&M University)

  • Lopez-Acevedo, Gladys

    (World Bank)

  • Savchenko, Yevgeniya

    (Georgetown University)

Abstract

This paper focuses on how the forces of globalisation, specifically the Multi-Fibre Arrangement (MFA), have affected women's wages in the apparel sector in developing countries. Using household and labour force surveys from Cambodia and Sri Lanka, we find large positive wage premiums and a closing of the male-female wage gap during the MFA period, but smaller premiums and a widening wage gap after the end of the MFA. Our results suggest that apparel exports continued to benefit women in developing countries post-MFA.

Suggested Citation

  • Robertson, Raymond & Lopez-Acevedo, Gladys & Savchenko, Yevgeniya, 2018. "Globalisation and the Gender Earnings Gap: Evidence from Sri Lanka and Cambodia 1992-2015," IZA Discussion Papers 11821, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp11821
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    apparel; Multi-Fibre Arrangement; textile; wages; women; working conditions;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F16 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade and Labor Market Interactions
    • F63 - International Economics - - Economic Impacts of Globalization - - - Economic Development
    • F66 - International Economics - - Economic Impacts of Globalization - - - Labor
    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • J30 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - General
    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials
    • J81 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Standards - - - Working Conditions
    • L67 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Manufacturing - - - Other Consumer Nondurables: Clothing, Textiles, Shoes, and Leather Goods; Household Goods; Sports Equipment

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