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Migration and the Autonomy of Women Left Behind

Author

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  • Julia Anna Matz

    (University of Bonn)

  • Linguère Mously Mbaye

    (African Development Bank Group)

Abstract

This paper provides new evidence on the impact of migration of male household heads on the autonomy of their spouses. Using panel household survey data from Ethiopia, the methodology mainly relies on an instrumental variables approach that addresses the endogeneity inherent in the relationship and carefully pays attention to the role of remittances. After correcting for endogeneity, we find consistent evidence that male migration increases female self-determination and decision-making power, and (to a lesser extent) the ability to protect one’s interests. As all these variables measure autonomy, our results suggest that migration of husbands offers an opportunity for women to become more autonomous in traditional societies.

Suggested Citation

  • Julia Anna Matz & Linguère Mously Mbaye, 2023. "Migration and the Autonomy of Women Left Behind," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 35(5), pages 1059-1079, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:eurjdr:v:35:y:2023:i:5:d:10.1057_s41287-022-00559-5
    DOI: 10.1057/s41287-022-00559-5
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Migration; Women empowerment; Female autonomy; Left behind; Africa;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D13 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Household Production and Intrahouse Allocation
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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