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The Intrinsic Value of Agency: The Case of Indonesia

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  • Fernandez, Antonia
  • Della Giusta, Marina
  • Kambhampati, Uma S.

Abstract

This paper analyzes the relationship between agency and Indonesian women’s well-being. The existing debate on empowerment mostly focuses on agency’s instrumental value, how agency benefits development and household/women’s welfare. We depart from this debate by considering the intrinsic value of agency for women using the Indonesia Family Life Survey. We measure agency based on the decisions women make within their households. We find the effects of agency are not unambiguously positive. Agency has intrinsic value, seen in its strong relationship to well-being in certain spheres, which is moderated by the ‘burden of responsibility’ that seems to be felt by decision-makers.

Suggested Citation

  • Fernandez, Antonia & Della Giusta, Marina & Kambhampati, Uma S., 2015. "The Intrinsic Value of Agency: The Case of Indonesia," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 92-107.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:wdevel:v:70:y:2015:i:c:p:92-107
    DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2014.12.020
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    5. Hossain, Mahbub & Asadullah, M. Niaz & Kambhampati, Uma, 2019. "Empowerment and life satisfaction: Evidence from Bangladesh," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 122(C), pages 170-183.
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    7. Achandi, Esther Leah & Kidane, Asmerom & Hepelwa, Aloyce & Mujawamariya, Gaudiose, 2019. "Women's empowerment: the case of smallholder rice farmers in Kilombero District, Tanzania," Agrekon, Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa (AEASA), vol. 58(3), May.
    8. Bárcena-Martín, Elena & Blázquez, Maite & Moro-Egido, Ana I., 2020. "Intra-household arrangements: How important are they in terms of male-female subjective well-being?," Journal of Economic Psychology, Elsevier, vol. 80(C).

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