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Workplace sanitation and female labour force participation in the informal sector

Author

Listed:
  • Lokesh Posti

    (Jindal Global Business School, OP JINDAL GLOBAL UNIVERSITY, Sonipat, India)

  • Rajan Khare

    (University of British Columbia - Okanagan Campus)

  • Rahul Kumar

    (Indian Institute of Management Sambalpur)

Abstract

This study focuses on the issue of sanitation in developing countries impacting female labour force participation. Using the context of the informal sector, which, although marginalised, supports a sizable share of the workers in the economy, we analyse National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) 73rd round survey, 2015-16, on informal firms. We find a positive impact of toilet availability on the share of female workers in an informal firm. Heterogeneity concerns were addressed by categorising firms into different sizes as per the MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) classification, and endogeneity concerns were addressed using instrumental variable (IV) regression and propensity score matching (PSM) technique.

Suggested Citation

  • Lokesh Posti & Rajan Khare & Rahul Kumar, 2023. "Workplace sanitation and female labour force participation in the informal sector," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 43(3), pages 1411-1420.
    • Handle: RePEc:ebl:ecbull:eb-23-00139
    as

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    File URL: http://www.accessecon.com/Pubs/EB/2023/Volume43/EB-23-V43-I3-P120.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Wang, Dongqin & Shen, Yanni, 2022. "Sanitation and work time: Evidence from the toilet revolution in rural China," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 158(C).
    2. Emily Oster, 2019. "Unobservable Selection and Coefficient Stability: Theory and Evidence," Journal of Business & Economic Statistics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 37(2), pages 187-204, April.
    3. Sangwan, Nikita & Kumar, Shalander, 2021. "Labor force participation of rural women and the household’s nutrition: Panel data evidence from SAT India," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 102(C).
    4. Dharam GHAI, 2003. "Decent work: Concept and indicators," International Labour Review, International Labour Organization, vol. 142(2), pages 113-145, June.
    5. Ashraf, Nava & Karlan, Dean & Yin, Wesley, 2010. "Female Empowerment: Impact of a Commitment Savings Product in the Philippines," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 38(3), pages 333-344, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    JEL classification:

    • O1 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development
    • J4 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets

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