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Gender disparity and enterprise expansion in the impact and transmission channels of ICT on unemployment in developing countries

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  • Brice, M'bakob Gilles

Abstract

This study examines the impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) on employment in 95 developing countries from years 2000–2021. The study focuses on short-term and long-term effects, gender differences, and the role of enterprise expansion. The results suggest a complex dynamic: on short term ICT's appear to stimulate employment for both genders but on long term, they can lead to a loss of jobs, particularly in sectors mostly dominated by women. The Human capital plays a crucial role as a mediator of the effects of ICT's on employment. However, it can also result in gender inequalities in accessing ICT-related job opportunities. In addition, while enterprise expansion may mediate the effects of ICT on employment, it can also have negative long-term consequences as automation continues to advance. To promote gender equality in the ICT sector, it is suggested to collect gender-disaggregated data to better understand the labour market, to develop training and employment policies, and promote female entrepreneurship.

Suggested Citation

  • Brice, M'bakob Gilles, 2024. "Gender disparity and enterprise expansion in the impact and transmission channels of ICT on unemployment in developing countries," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 77(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:teinso:v:77:y:2024:i:c:s0160791x24000630
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2024.102515
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination

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