Gender and its Relevance to Macroeconomic Policy: A Survey

Janet Stotsky

No 2006/233, IMF Working Papers from International Monetary Fund

Abstract: This survey examines the implications of gender differences in economic behavior for macroeconomic policy. It finds that reducing gender inequality and improving the status of women may contribute to higher rates of economic growth and greater macroeconomic stability. Women's relative lack of opportunities in developing countries inhibits economic growth, while, at the same time, economic growth leads to a reduction in their disadvantaged condition. Equality of opportunity in labor and financial markets is critical to enabling women to take full advantage of improved macroeconomic conditions. Macroeconomic policies should take into account the benefits of reducing gender inequalities, especially in the lowest-income countries where these differences are most pronounced, and should consider the potentially harsher short-term effects of economic austerity measures on women to avoid exacerbating gender inequalities.

Keywords: WP; exchange rate; economic development; growth theory; labor force; per capita income; Gender; macroeconomic policy; production function; gender wage gap; standard of living; rate of return; wage effect; Women; Gender inequality; Labor markets; Sub-Saharan Africa; North Africa; Middle East; South Asia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 68
Date: 2006-10-01
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (60)

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