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Gender Norms and Female Labor Supply: Evidence from Export Shocks in Vietnam

Author

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  • Huynh, Quynh

    (University College London)

  • Ku, Hyejin

    (University College London)

Abstract

We examine the relationship between economic development and female labor force participation, with a focus on the impact of gender norms. Analyzing quasi-random variation in provincial exports in reunified Vietnam from 2002 to 2018, we find that a positive economic shock led to a significant decline in women’s labor market engagement, particularly among married women from wealthier households and those with husbands in more skilled occupations. This trend is more pronounced in the South (formerly capitalist) than in the North (always socialist), and among native Southerners compared to Northerners relocated to the South after the war. Our findings highlight the importance of gender role attitudes in shaping women’s responses to rising incomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Huynh, Quynh & Ku, Hyejin, 2025. "Gender Norms and Female Labor Supply: Evidence from Export Shocks in Vietnam," IZA Discussion Papers 17911, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17911
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Emily Oster, 2019. "Unobservable Selection and Coefficient Stability: Theory and Evidence," Journal of Business & Economic Statistics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 37(2), pages 187-204, April.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    gender role attitudes; social norms; female labor force participation; income and substitution effects; trade liberalization;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • O12 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development

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