Type

Dissertation Economics

Author

Hoang Xuan Diem

Examiner

Prof. Dr. Martin Karlsson

Download

https://10.17185/duepublico/84511

Abstract

This thesis comprises four essays examining how institutions, economic policies, and culture shape gender inequality, demographic change, and investment in human capital. Reducing inequality and fostering human capital are key to achieving sustainable growth in developing countries.

Chapter 2 studies how local political institutions affected education policy in early twentieth-century Sweden. Municipalities transitioning from direct to representative democracy adopted school extensions earlier, suggesting that representative systems were more education-oriented. However, entrenched local elites often resisted reform, highlighting challenges of decentralization when elites dominate local agendas.

Chapter 3 explores the impact of cultural norms on gender inequality in Vietnam. Despite strong son preference, the rising sex ratio stems entirely from prenatal selection rather than girl neglect. Girls perform as well as or better than boys in health and education, challenging common assumptions about son preference and discrimination.

Chapter 4 analyzes how trade liberalization shaped women’s marriage and fertility decisions in Vietnam. The U.S.–Vietnam Bilateral Trade Agreement led young women to delay marriage and childbirth, with no significant effects on labor participation or sex ratios. These outcomes likely reflect structural changes and extended schooling for women.

Chapter 5 investigates how women’s economic empowerment affects domestic violence in rural Bangladesh. Women contributing economically to their households face significantly more verbal abuse, underscoring the need to recognize non-physical forms of domestic violence.

Overall, the thesis broadens understanding of how political structures, cultural practices, and socio-economic contexts interact to influence gender equality and human capital development, offering insights for policies promoting inclusive and sustainable growth.