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Does gender inequality affect economic development? An evidence based on analysis of cross-national panel data of 158 countries

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  • Ram, Harchand
  • Chakravorty, Swastika
  • Goli, Srinivas

Abstract

The gender-inequality is a critical economic challenge that has a significant negative impact on global economic prospects. In this context, this study aims to investigate the association between gender inequality and growth outcomes in the form of gross domestic product (GDP hereafter) per-capita across 158 countries in the world during 2000-15. Our findings suggest that GII has a significant inverse correlation with GDP per-capita (r=-0.7886); While gender development index (GDI hereafter) shows a positive correlation with GDP per-capita (r=0.574). Results from the multivariate log-linear model show that country with a high level of gender inequality index (GII hereafter) is having significantly lower levels of GDP per-capita even after controlling for other covariates. This study evidentially suggests that the economic policy of the countries should prioritize autonomy, agency, and empowerment of women to improve their participation in the national economy. Unless countries reduce gender inequalities, achieving full economic potential is not possible.

Suggested Citation

  • Ram, Harchand & Chakravorty, Swastika & Goli, Srinivas, 2022. "Does gender inequality affect economic development? An evidence based on analysis of cross-national panel data of 158 countries," SocArXiv 7svz4, Center for Open Science.
    • Handle: RePEc:osf:socarx:7svz4
    DOI: 10.31219/osf.io/7svz4
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