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Breaking Barriers via Refugees: Cultural Transmission and Women’s Economic Empowerment

Author

Listed:
  • Akbulut-Yuksel, Mevlude

    (Dalhousie University)

  • Aydemir, Abdurrahman B.

    (Sabanci University)

  • Kirdar, Murat Güray

    (Koc University)

  • Turan, Belgi

    (TOBB University of Economy and Technology)

Abstract

This paper examines the horizontal transmission of gender norms using the forced migration of ethnic Turks from Bulgaria to Türkiye after the fall of the Iron Curtain as a natural experiment. Despite shared linguistic and religious ties, migrant women held more progressive gender norms and stronger labor market attachment than native Turkish women. Their arrival increased labor market participation among native women, particularly in male-dominated manufacturing, while men’s outcomes remained unchanged. Additionally, native women’s fertility declined, and middle school attainment rose, aligning with refugee women’s patterns. Exposure to progressive norms reshaped native women's roles in work and family life.

Suggested Citation

  • Akbulut-Yuksel, Mevlude & Aydemir, Abdurrahman B. & Kirdar, Murat Güray & Turan, Belgi, 2025. "Breaking Barriers via Refugees: Cultural Transmission and Women’s Economic Empowerment," IZA Discussion Papers 17871, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17871
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • N45 - Economic History - - Government, War, Law, International Relations, and Regulation - - - Asia including Middle East

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