Historical prevalence of infectious diseases and gender equality in 122 countries

Omang Messono, Simplice Asongu and Vanessa Tchamyou

MPRA Paper from University Library of Munich, Germany

Abstract: This study examines the effects of the historical prevalence of infectious diseases on contemporary gender equality. Previous studies reveal the persistence of the effects of historical diseases on innovation, through the channel of culture. Drawing on the Parasite-Stress Theory, we propose a framework which argues that historical prevalence of infectious disease reduces contemporary gender equality. Using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Two Stage Least Squares (2SLS) in a cross-section with data from 122 countries between 2000 and 2021, we provide support for the underlying hypothesis. Past diseases reduce gender equality both directly and indirectly. The strongest indirect effects occur through innovation output. Gender equality analysis may take these findings into account and incorporate disease pathogens into the design of international social policy.

Keywords: infectious diseases; gender equality; economic development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: B15 B40 B54 I31 J24 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022-01, Revised 2023-06
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-evo and nep-hea
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Related works:
Working Paper: Historical prevalence of infectious diseases and gender equality in 122 countries (2022)
Working Paper: Historical prevalence of infectious diseases and gender equality in 122 countries (2022)
Working Paper: Historical prevalence of infectious diseases and gender equality in 122 countries (2022)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:pra:mprapa:119329

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