Intra‐household bargaining power and household expenditure allocation: Evidence from Iran. Issue 2 (4th December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Basu, Bharati; Maitra, Pushkar
• Is Part Of: Review of development economics. Volume 24:Issue 2(2020:May)
• Page Start: 606
• Page End: 627
• Publication Date: 2019-12-04
• Subjects: expenditure allocation -- intra‐household bargaining power -- Iran; Economic development -- Periodicals; 330
• DOI: 10.1111/rode.12636
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1363-6669

Abstract

Abstract: This article examines the role of intra‐household bargaining power on household expenditure patterns in Iran to see whether women's empowerment can achieve similar results in Iran as we have seen it achieve in other countries of the world. This study is insightful because it tells us whether Iranian women, who have experienced both economic and noneconomic constraints over many years, can utilize increased power toward economic development. The bargaining power is measured by the sex ratio in the marriage market. Using the Household Income and Expenditure Survey in Iran, we find that greater bargaining power of women contributes significantly toward greater provision of education and health expenditure within the household, creating a potential for an increase in welfare for the next generation.