Irrigation and gender roles

Journal of Development Economics • Vol/Iss. 163 • Elsevier • • Published In • Pages: 1-15 •
By Fredriksson, Per G. , Gupta, Satyendra Kumar

Abstract

This paper suggests that ancestral irrigation is linked to lower levels of contemporary female labor force participation. The hypothesis is tested using cross-country data, as well as data from various surveys. The study finds evidence that the gender-based division of labor in pre-modern agriculture may be the mechanism behind this relationship, and that cultural transmission across generations, particularly through males, may play a role in perpetuating this pattern.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
Standard Cross Cultural Sample (SCCS)Other researchersData on agriculture and land quality, gender roles, plough use, climate
Ethnographic Atlas (EA)Other researchersData on agriculture
World Values Survey (WVS)Other researchersEmployment data
European Social SurveyOther researchersData on gender roles, agriculture
Afrobarometer SurveyOther researchersEmployment data, some agricultural data
The Asian BarometerOther researchersEmployment status, some agricultural data
American Community Survey (ACS)Other researchersData on labor market outcomes, agriculture

Hypotheses (6)

HypothesisSupported
Greater ancestral irrigation potential is associated with lower contemporary female labor force participation.Supported
More traditional plough use is associated with lower contemporary female labor force participation.Partially Supported
Greater ancestral irrigation potential is associated with higher contemporary male labor force participation.Partially Supported
More traditional plough use is associated with higher contemporary male labor force participation.Not supported
Ideas about gender roles in labor as derived from irrigation potential and plough use are transmitted across generations by men in Europe.Supported
Ideas about gender roles in labor as derived from irrigation potential and plough use are transmitted across generations in America.Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: jacob.kalodner