Women's Work Choices in Kenya: The Role of Social Institutions and Household Gender Attitudes. Issue 2 (2nd April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: De Giusti, Giovanna; Kambhampati, Uma Sarada
• Is Part Of: Feminist economics. Volume 22:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 87
• Page End: 113
• Publication Date: 2016-04-02
• Subjects: Women's labor force participation -- institutions -- intrahousehold bargaining; J01 -- O12 -- O15; Feminist economics -- Periodicals; Women -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; Women -- Social conditions -- Periodicals; 330.082
• DOI: 10.1080/13545701.2015.1115531
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1354-5701

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study considers the factors that influence women's work behavior in Kenya. In particular, it examines whether gender attitudes and certain types of social institution influence the probability of employment or type of employment for women. Using data from the Demographic and Health Survey of 2008–9, it finds that religion and ethnicity are significant determinants of women's employment in Kenya. While personal experience of female genital mutilation is insignificant, spousal age and education differences, as well as marital status (which reflect attitudes both in women's natal and marital families), are significant determinants of women's employment choices.