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Structural Equation Approach to Modeling Social Norms in Women’s Education: A Case Study of India

Author

Listed:
  • Tanu Gupta

    (Indian Statistical Institute (ISI))

  • A. Ganesh Kumar

    (Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR))

Abstract

Studies on women’s education proxying social norms through indicators of social practice overlook three important characteristics of norms, viz., they are latent, multifaceted, and influenced by exogenous factors. To address this, we propose using the MIMIC model in a structural equation framework. This approach allows incorporating multiple social practices each of which could be imperfect manifestations of an underlying norm. Besides, it allows us to identify exogenous factors that could bring about a change in the norms. Applying it to India, we find that norms adversely affect women’s education and that the mother’s education has a norm-breaking effect while the father’s education is norm-binding.

Suggested Citation

  • Tanu Gupta & A. Ganesh Kumar, 2025. "Structural Equation Approach to Modeling Social Norms in Women’s Education: A Case Study of India," Journal of Quantitative Economics, Springer;The Indian Econometric Society (TIES), vol. 23(1), pages 59-83, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jqecon:v:23:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s40953-024-00428-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s40953-024-00428-4
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Social norms; Women’s education; Structural equation; MIMIC model; India;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C30 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - General
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality
    • Z1 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics

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