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War-Driven Permanent Emigration, Sex Ratios, and Female Labor Force Participation

Author

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  • Ana Rute Cardoso
  • Louis-Philippe Morin

Abstract

We investigate the drivers of female labor force participation in the presence of unbalanced sex ratios due to a scarcity of males. To do so, we exploit exogenous variation in sex ratios across cohorts and regions, using instruments based on massive emigration in the 1960s that was fueled by the Portuguese Colonial War. As the sex ratio declined, female labor force participation increased, while the marriage rate was unaffected. Female representation among top occupations increased, and the gender pay gap declined, consistent with the predominance of a demand shock favoring female labor.

Suggested Citation

  • Ana Rute Cardoso & Louis-Philippe Morin, 2026. "War-Driven Permanent Emigration, Sex Ratios, and Female Labor Force Participation," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 61(2), pages 487-523.
    • Handle: RePEc:uwp:jhriss:v:61:y:2026:i:2:p:487-523
    Note: DOI: https://doi.org/10.3368/jhr.0522-12339R2
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure
    • J23 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Demand
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • N34 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Europe: 1913-

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