How Global Value Chain Participation Can Influence Gender Inequality: Evidence From Latin America And The Caribbean

Tran Thi Minh Hien and Nguyen Tra My ()
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Tran Thi Minh Hien: Vietnam National University, International School
Nguyen Tra My: Vietnam National University, International School

A chapter in Proceedings of the International Conference on Emerging Challenges: Sustainable Strategies in the Data-Driven Economy (ICECH 2024), 2025, pp 40-55 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract Research purpose: This research explores how participation in Global Value Chains (GVCs) impacts gender inequality in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) while identifying potential influencing pathways. Research motivation: Persistent gender disparities across LAC highlight the need for research on the role of GVC participation in shaping gender equality outcomes in the region. Research design, approach, and method: Using panel data spanning 1990–2015, this study assesses the impact of GVC engagement on gender inequality through Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and fixed-effects regression analyses. Data on GVCs is sourced from the WITS-Eora database, while gender inequality metrics include labor force participation, life expectancy, and secondary school enrollment from the World Bank. The approach controls for country-specific economic, infrastructural, and institutional characteristics to isolate the effects of GVC participation. Main findings: Engagement in GVCs is associated with reduced gender inequality, evidenced by increased female participation in the labor force, higher life expectancy, and improved educational attainment. These positive outcomes are observed across agricultural, manufacturing, and service sectors and are linked to factors such as capital stock growth and legislative advancements supporting women’s rights. Practical/ managerial implications: The study highlights meaningful policy implications, suggesting that GVCs can be leveraged to promote gender equity. It emphasizes the need for targeted investments in infrastructure and legal reforms that support women’s rights to maximize the benefits of global economic integration.

Keywords: GVC participation; gender inequality; regional analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:advbcp:978-94-6463-694-9_4

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DOI: 10.2991/978-94-6463-694-9_4

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