Culture, Gender, and Labor Force Participation: Evidence from Colombia

TL;DR

This paper examines how the 1991 Colombian constitutional reforms promoting gender equality influenced attitudes, discrimination experiences, and women's labor participation, revealing increased participation and changing norms driven by cultural and legal shifts.

Contribution

It provides empirical evidence on the effects of constitutional gender equality reforms on attitudes and labor market outcomes using a difference-in-discontinuities approach.

Findings

Significant increase in women's labor market participation.

Men's support for gender equality increased after exposure.

Women experienced less gender-based discrimination.

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of integrating gender equality into the Colombian constitution of 1991 on attitudes towards gender equality, experiences of gender-based discrimination, and labor market participation. Using a difference-in-discontinuities framework, we compare individuals exposed to mandatory high school courses on the Constitution with those who were not exposed. Our findings show a significant increase in labor market participation, primarily driven by women. Exposure to these courses also shapes attitudes towards gender equality, with men demonstrating greater support. Women report experiencing less gender-based discrimination. Importantly, our results suggest that women's increased labor market participation is unlikely due to reduced barriers from male partners. A disparity in opinions regarding traditional gender norms concerning household domains is observed between men and women, highlighting an ongoing power struggle within the home. However, the presence of a younger woman in the household appears to influence men's more positive view of gender equality, potentially indicating a desire to empower younger women in their future lives. These findings highlight the crucial role of cultural shocks and the constitutional inclusion of women's rights in shaping labor market dynamics.