The Policy Research Working Paper Series disseminates the findings of work in progress to encoura... more The Policy Research Working Paper Series disseminates the findings of work in progress to encourage the exchange of ideas about development issues. An objective of the series is to get the findings out quickly, even if the presentations are less than fully polished. The papers carry the names of the authors and should be cited accordingly. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this paper are entirely those of the authors. They do not necessarily represent the views of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/World Bank and its affiliated organizations, or those of the Executive Directors of the World Bank or the governments they represent. * The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this paper are entirely those of the authors. They do not necessarily represent the views of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/World Bank and its affiliated organizations, or those of the Executive Directors of the World Bank or the governments they represent. We would like to thank Kathleen Beegle, Bénédicte de la Brière, Markus Goldstein, Caren Grown and Dominique van de Walle for valuable comments on earlier drafts.
A sizable literature claims that female labor force participation (FLFP) follows a U-shaped trend... more A sizable literature claims that female labor force participation (FLFP) follows a U-shaped trend as countries develop due to structural change, education and fertility dynamics. We show that empirical support for this secular trend is feeble and depends on the data sources used, especially underlying GDP estimates. The U also tends to vanish under dynamic panel estimations. Moreover, cross-country differences in levels of FLFP related to historical contingencies are much more important than the muted U patterns found in some specifications. Given the large error margins in international GDP estimates and the sensitivity of the U-relationship we propose a more direct approach to explore the effect of structural change on FLFP using sector-specific growth rates. The results suggest that structural change affects FLFP consistent with a U-shaped pattern but the effects are small. We conclude that the feminization U hypothesis as an overarching secular trend driving FLFP in the developm...
ObjectivesThis study was designed to assess patterns of objectively measured physical activity (P... more ObjectivesThis study was designed to assess patterns of objectively measured physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour in a sample of adults in a rural setting from a low-income Sub-Saharan African country (Malawi). The patterns of PA and sedentary behaviour in Malawi were compared with US data collected and analysed using the same methodology.MethodsThe Malawi PA data were collected as part of a survey experiment on the measurement of agricultural labor conducted under the World Bank Living Standards Measurement Study program. ActiGraph accelerometers (model GT3X) were worn on the right hip in a household-based sample of 414 working-age adults (15–85 years).ResultsMean total and 95% CIs for PA by category in min/day for Malawi adults were: sedentary 387.6 (377.4–397.8), low-light 222.1 (214.7–229.5), high-light 136.3 (132.7–139.9), moderate 71.6 (68.8–74.5), vigorous 1.1 (0.5–1.8) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) 72.8 (69.7–75.9). Mean of PA and sedentary beha...
Boosting shared prosperity also means including disadvantaged groups in the labor market. While m... more Boosting shared prosperity also means including disadvantaged groups in the labor market. While many factors can hinder labor force participation, behavioral factors have emerged as key barriers in the case of Mauritian youth with little education. This Note describes the results of an intervention that delivered training on job search, goal setting, and planning skills to a group of young job-seekers with low educational attainment in Mauritius. While the intervention had to be interrupted due to the COVID-19 outbreak, preliminary results show encouraging positive impacts for youth employability and job search behaviors, and point to useful lessons.
Women's property ownership matters for their well-being and agency; it can also advance econo... more Women's property ownership matters for their well-being and agency; it can also advance economic prosperity and promote the human development of future generations. Yet, until recently, lack of data has constrained researchers from gaining a comprehensive overview of gender differences in property ownership in the developing world. Using Demographic and Health Survey data from 41 developing countries, this paper seeks to fill this gap, by investigating the extent of gender gaps in the incidence of property ownership (land and housing) and the factors associated with these gaps, focusing on the role of legal systems. The study finds that there is substantial variation in gender gaps across countries, but in almost all countries men are more likely to own property than women. Within countries, gender gaps are most pronounced for groups that are already disadvantaged, that is, the rural population and the poorest quintile. The disadvantage in property ownership experienced by women...
Of the 10 most unequal countries in the world today, 7 are in Africa. Excluding these countries (... more Of the 10 most unequal countries in the world today, 7 are in Africa. Excluding these countries (five of which have populations of less than 5 million and most of which are in Southern Africa) and controlling for country-level income, Africa has consumption inequality levels comparable to developing countries in other parts of the world. And inequality is not systemically increasing in Africa. This traditional approach to studying inequality, a focus on the country Gini index, misses out on a range of other ways one can view inequality. And the picture that emerges taking these other approaches is even more complex. Looking at inequality through persistence in intergenerational education and occupation, the study finds less persistence for children born in recent years than older generations. But mobility is still low, which perpetuates inequality. In other words, the son of a farmer is highly likely to be a farmer himself when he grows up.
Poverty in a Rising Africa discusses the data challenges faced when measuring poverty and inequal... more Poverty in a Rising Africa discusses the data challenges faced when measuring poverty and inequality in Africa. The report also systematically reviews the measures of poverty and inequality in both monetary and nonmonetary dimensions. Major points discussed in the report include: 1) measuring poverty in Africa remains a challenge; 2) poverty in Africa may be lower than current estimates suggest, but more people are poor today than in 1990; 3) nonmonetary dimensions of poverty have been improving; and 4) inequality in Africa has many dimensions. Many findings are encouraging, but many challenges remain.
Some rights reserved This work is a product of the staff of The World Bank with external contribu... more Some rights reserved This work is a product of the staff of The World Bank with external contributions. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this work do not necessarily reflect the views of The World Bank, its Board of Executive Directors, or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this work. The boundaries, colors, denominations, and other information shown on any map in this work do not imply any judgment on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. Nothing herein shall constitute or be considered to be a limitation upon or waiver of the privileges and immunities of The World Bank, all of which are specifically reserved.
ABSTRACT This study analyzes gender differences in labor productivity in the formal private secto... more ABSTRACT This study analyzes gender differences in labor productivity in the formal private sector, using data from 126 mostly developing economies. The results reveal a sizable unconditional gap, with labor productivity being approximately 11 percent lower among women- than men-managed firms. The analyses are based on women’s management, which is more strongly associated with labor productivity than women’s participation in ownership, which has been the focus of most previous studies. Decomposition techniques reveal several factors that contribute to lower labor productivity of women-managed firms relative to firms managed by men: Fewer women-managed firms protect themselves from crime and power outages, have their own websites, and are (co-)owned by foreigners. In addition, in the manufacturing sector, women-managed firms are less capitalized and have lower labor costs than firms managed by men.
The Policy Research Working Paper Series disseminates the findings of work in progress to encoura... more The Policy Research Working Paper Series disseminates the findings of work in progress to encourage the exchange of ideas about development issues. An objective of the series is to get the findings out quickly, even if the presentations are less than fully polished. The papers carry the names of the authors and should be cited accordingly. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this paper are entirely those of the authors. They do not necessarily represent the views of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/World Bank and its affiliated organizations, or those of the Executive Directors of the World Bank or the governments they represent.
The Policy Research Working Paper Series disseminates the findings of work in progress to encoura... more The Policy Research Working Paper Series disseminates the findings of work in progress to encourage the exchange of ideas about development issues. An objective of the series is to get the findings out quickly, even if the presentations are less than fully polished. The papers carry the names of the authors and should be cited accordingly. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this paper are entirely those of the authors. They do not necessarily represent the views of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/World Bank and its affiliated organizations, or those of the Executive Directors of the World Bank or the governments they represent. * The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this paper are entirely those of the authors. They do not necessarily represent the views of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/World Bank and its affiliated organizations, or those of the Executive Directors of the World Bank or the governments they represent. We would like to thank Kathleen Beegle, Bénédicte de la Brière, Markus Goldstein, Caren Grown and Dominique van de Walle for valuable comments on earlier drafts.
A sizable literature claims that female labor force participation (FLFP) follows a U-shaped trend... more A sizable literature claims that female labor force participation (FLFP) follows a U-shaped trend as countries develop due to structural change, education and fertility dynamics. We show that empirical support for this secular trend is feeble and depends on the data sources used, especially underlying GDP estimates. The U also tends to vanish under dynamic panel estimations. Moreover, cross-country differences in levels of FLFP related to historical contingencies are much more important than the muted U patterns found in some specifications. Given the large error margins in international GDP estimates and the sensitivity of the U-relationship we propose a more direct approach to explore the effect of structural change on FLFP using sector-specific growth rates. The results suggest that structural change affects FLFP consistent with a U-shaped pattern but the effects are small. We conclude that the feminization U hypothesis as an overarching secular trend driving FLFP in the developm...
ObjectivesThis study was designed to assess patterns of objectively measured physical activity (P... more ObjectivesThis study was designed to assess patterns of objectively measured physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour in a sample of adults in a rural setting from a low-income Sub-Saharan African country (Malawi). The patterns of PA and sedentary behaviour in Malawi were compared with US data collected and analysed using the same methodology.MethodsThe Malawi PA data were collected as part of a survey experiment on the measurement of agricultural labor conducted under the World Bank Living Standards Measurement Study program. ActiGraph accelerometers (model GT3X) were worn on the right hip in a household-based sample of 414 working-age adults (15–85 years).ResultsMean total and 95% CIs for PA by category in min/day for Malawi adults were: sedentary 387.6 (377.4–397.8), low-light 222.1 (214.7–229.5), high-light 136.3 (132.7–139.9), moderate 71.6 (68.8–74.5), vigorous 1.1 (0.5–1.8) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) 72.8 (69.7–75.9). Mean of PA and sedentary beha...
Boosting shared prosperity also means including disadvantaged groups in the labor market. While m... more Boosting shared prosperity also means including disadvantaged groups in the labor market. While many factors can hinder labor force participation, behavioral factors have emerged as key barriers in the case of Mauritian youth with little education. This Note describes the results of an intervention that delivered training on job search, goal setting, and planning skills to a group of young job-seekers with low educational attainment in Mauritius. While the intervention had to be interrupted due to the COVID-19 outbreak, preliminary results show encouraging positive impacts for youth employability and job search behaviors, and point to useful lessons.
Women's property ownership matters for their well-being and agency; it can also advance econo... more Women's property ownership matters for their well-being and agency; it can also advance economic prosperity and promote the human development of future generations. Yet, until recently, lack of data has constrained researchers from gaining a comprehensive overview of gender differences in property ownership in the developing world. Using Demographic and Health Survey data from 41 developing countries, this paper seeks to fill this gap, by investigating the extent of gender gaps in the incidence of property ownership (land and housing) and the factors associated with these gaps, focusing on the role of legal systems. The study finds that there is substantial variation in gender gaps across countries, but in almost all countries men are more likely to own property than women. Within countries, gender gaps are most pronounced for groups that are already disadvantaged, that is, the rural population and the poorest quintile. The disadvantage in property ownership experienced by women...
Of the 10 most unequal countries in the world today, 7 are in Africa. Excluding these countries (... more Of the 10 most unequal countries in the world today, 7 are in Africa. Excluding these countries (five of which have populations of less than 5 million and most of which are in Southern Africa) and controlling for country-level income, Africa has consumption inequality levels comparable to developing countries in other parts of the world. And inequality is not systemically increasing in Africa. This traditional approach to studying inequality, a focus on the country Gini index, misses out on a range of other ways one can view inequality. And the picture that emerges taking these other approaches is even more complex. Looking at inequality through persistence in intergenerational education and occupation, the study finds less persistence for children born in recent years than older generations. But mobility is still low, which perpetuates inequality. In other words, the son of a farmer is highly likely to be a farmer himself when he grows up.
Poverty in a Rising Africa discusses the data challenges faced when measuring poverty and inequal... more Poverty in a Rising Africa discusses the data challenges faced when measuring poverty and inequality in Africa. The report also systematically reviews the measures of poverty and inequality in both monetary and nonmonetary dimensions. Major points discussed in the report include: 1) measuring poverty in Africa remains a challenge; 2) poverty in Africa may be lower than current estimates suggest, but more people are poor today than in 1990; 3) nonmonetary dimensions of poverty have been improving; and 4) inequality in Africa has many dimensions. Many findings are encouraging, but many challenges remain.
Some rights reserved This work is a product of the staff of The World Bank with external contribu... more Some rights reserved This work is a product of the staff of The World Bank with external contributions. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this work do not necessarily reflect the views of The World Bank, its Board of Executive Directors, or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this work. The boundaries, colors, denominations, and other information shown on any map in this work do not imply any judgment on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. Nothing herein shall constitute or be considered to be a limitation upon or waiver of the privileges and immunities of The World Bank, all of which are specifically reserved.
ABSTRACT This study analyzes gender differences in labor productivity in the formal private secto... more ABSTRACT This study analyzes gender differences in labor productivity in the formal private sector, using data from 126 mostly developing economies. The results reveal a sizable unconditional gap, with labor productivity being approximately 11 percent lower among women- than men-managed firms. The analyses are based on women’s management, which is more strongly associated with labor productivity than women’s participation in ownership, which has been the focus of most previous studies. Decomposition techniques reveal several factors that contribute to lower labor productivity of women-managed firms relative to firms managed by men: Fewer women-managed firms protect themselves from crime and power outages, have their own websites, and are (co-)owned by foreigners. In addition, in the manufacturing sector, women-managed firms are less capitalized and have lower labor costs than firms managed by men.
The Policy Research Working Paper Series disseminates the findings of work in progress to encoura... more The Policy Research Working Paper Series disseminates the findings of work in progress to encourage the exchange of ideas about development issues. An objective of the series is to get the findings out quickly, even if the presentations are less than fully polished. The papers carry the names of the authors and should be cited accordingly. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this paper are entirely those of the authors. They do not necessarily represent the views of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/World Bank and its affiliated organizations, or those of the Executive Directors of the World Bank or the governments they represent.
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