Technology, shocks, and labor response: a gendered perspective

Abstract

Socio-economic transitions in many developing countries have failed to enhance the labor force participation of women. This thesis examines the interaction between supply and demand-side factors of workforce participation from a gender perspective. First, it implements a cluster RCT to understand how access to a digital job matching technology that reduces job search costs impacts the labor market outcomes and harnesses the role of social networks. The findings highlight that while digital technology can increase the social acceptability of women working outside the home, the gendered structure of networks benefits men, and leads to conformation to prevalent social norms of home-based work by women to balance home production responsibilities. Second, the thesis examines the labor impacts of a negative production shock given the extant gender disparities in the labor market. The findings underscore that gender-neutral shocks can have gendered impacts, especially if social norms constrain women’s access to coping mechanisms. Finally, it explores the role of social safety nets in mitigating the adverse effects of such labor market shocks. The results suggest that employment guarantee programs can protect livelihoods, but for certain demographic groups relatively more than others, depending on the nature and skill level of work offered.