Does Social Media Matter for Gender Inequality?

Mahamoudou Zore
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Mahamoudou Zore: UB - Université de Bourgogne, LEDi - Laboratoire d'Economie de Dijon [Dijon] - UB - Université de Bourgogne - UBFC - Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté [COMUE]

Working Papers from HAL

Abstract: This paper investigates the causal effect of social media on gender inequality. To tackle endogeneity, we use an instrumental variable approach with accessibility variables (cost of media use and internet coverage). Based on data from 164 countries between 2013 and 2021, we find that social media penetration has a diminishing effect on gender inequality. The results have passed tests for over-identification and are robust to alternative measures and to changes in the estimation method. Multiple channels through which social media impact on gender have been identified, including women's political emancipation, education and human capital development, increasing political stability and enforcing the rule of law. From our heterogeneity analysis, it is evident that the causal effect on gender inequality is heightened in countries (i) with high human capital levels, (ii) with high-quality institutions, and (iii) in low-income and lower-middle-income economies.

Keywords: social media; gender inequalities; instrumental variable (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024-01-07
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