Economics of Gender

Catalog description

The role of women in the economy changed drastically in the 20th century. Many women around the world enjoy unprecedented freedom to decide what to study, where to work, and when to have a family, nowadays. These changes coupled with the evidence of a persistent gap in the earnings of men and women around the world raise important questions about family planning, female participation in the labor force, and public policy. These questions are at the center of this course. That is, we will explore how men and women make decisions about work and family that have a long-lasting impact on their lives. Using insights from economic theory and empirical data - predominantly from Europe, the USA and the UAE- the course covers topics such as the different incentives for men and women to study and participate in the labor market, as well as explore the reasons behind gender differences in earnings and employment. Students will learn about trends in fertility and marriage rates, and discuss recent government policies aimed at combating discrimination, encouraging women to participate in the labor force, and achieving a better work-life balance.