From rubble to recovery: capital, labor, and gender in the “economic miracles” of Germany and Japan

Zhaniya Kenzhegaliyeva

MPRA Paper from University Library of Munich, Germany

Abstract: This paper analyzes the postwar economic growth of Germany and Japan using the Solow Growth Model and its extensions. By examining historical data on savings, investment, capital accumulation, and labor force dynamics, the study identifies the mechanisms behind rapid convergence toward steady-state output. Extending the model to incorporate human capital and labor heterogeneity, it highlights the role of mass education and gender inclusion in sustaining growth. Differences in female labor participation across East and West Germany and Japan are analyzed using the feminization U-hypothesis. The paper also considers political background and cultural factors shaping labor and capital outcomes. It concludes with policy recommendations for modern developing economies, drawn from the postwar experiences of Germany and Japan, emphasizing inclusive labor use, human capital investment, institutional credibility, and capital deepening.

Keywords: economic miracle; Solow Growth Model; human capital; gender and development; catch-up growth; labor force participation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: N3 N34 N35 O1 O4 O47 O52 O53 O57 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025-07-06, Revised 2025-09-02
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-his
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:pra:mprapa:126039

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