Research Article

Gender inequality and economic growth: An analysis of OECD countries

Volume: 31 Number: 2 December 19, 2025
TR EN

Gender inequality and economic growth: An analysis of OECD countries

Abstract

Purpose: This study explores the relationship between gender inequality and economic growth in OECD countries. It focuses on female access to education, labor market participation, and political representation. The study also examines how rural women’s education and employment relate to agricultural growth. Design/Methodology/Approach: The analysis uses a panel dataset covering 38 OECD countries from 1990 to 2021. Dynamic panel data models are estimated using the two-step Generalized Method of Moments (GMM), addressing issues such as endogeneity and autocorrelation. Three models are developed to examine aggregate GDP, disaggregated gender indicators, and agricultural value added. Robustness is tested through alternative specifications and fixed effects. Finding: The results show that reducing gender gaps in education and political representation is positively associated with GDP per capita. Secondary education among women, in particular, has both direct and statistically significant effects. In agriculture-focused models, the employment and education of rural women are strongly linked to increases in agricultural value added. These findings support the idea that gender equality contributes to overall and sectoral economic performance. Originality/Value: This research approaches gender inequality not only as a social issue but also as an economic factor linked to economic growth. By offering a comparative analysis of OECD countries, it contributes empirically to the existing literature. It emphasizes the macroeconomic outcomes of women's equal access to education, employment, and political life. The inclusion of sector-specific insights, particularly in agriculture, adds a distinct perspective to the analysis.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

Ege University Scientific Research Fund

Project Number

23706

Ethical Statement

Not applicable

Thanks

This article was derived from the Damla GEBOLOĞLU’s Master of Science Thesis

References

  1. Agénor, P.-R. and Canuto, O. (2015), “Gender equality and economic growth in Brazil: A long-run analysis”, Journal of Macroeconomics, Vol. 43, pp. 155–172, doi: 10.1016/j.jmacro.2014.10.004.
  2. Aguilar, A., Carranza, E., Goldstein, M., Kilic, T. and Oseni, G. (2015), “Decomposition of Gender Differentials in Agricultural Productivity in Ethiopia”.
  3. Akbulaev, N. and Aliyeva, B. (2020), “Gender and economic growth: Is there a correlation? The example of Kyrgyzstan”, edited by Sapena, J.Cogent Economics & Finance, Vol. 8 No. 1, p. 1758007, doi: 10.1080/23322039.2020.1758007.
  4. Albanesi, S. and Olivetti, C. (2009), Gender Roles and Medical Progress, No. w14873, National Bureau of Economic Research, Cambridge, MA, p. w14873, doi: 10.3386/w14873.
  5. Alene, A.D., Manyong, V.M., Omanya, G.O., Mignouna, H.D., Bokanga, M. and Odhiambo, G.D. (2008), “Economic Efficiency and Supply Response of Women as Farm Managers: Comparative Evidence from Western Kenya”, World Development, Vol. 36 No. 7, pp. 1247–1260, doi: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2007.06.015.
  6. Altuzarra, A., Gálvez-Gálvez, C. and González-Flores, A. (2021), “Is Gender Inequality a Barrier to Economic Growth? A Panel Data Analysis of Developing Countries”, Sustainability, Vol. 13 No. 1, p. 367, doi: 10.3390/su13010367.
  7. Asantewa, J. (2024), “Income-Generating Activities and Economic Empowerment of Rural Women in the Mion District, Ghana: A Phenomenological Study”, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, Vol. VIII, pp. 2238–2250, doi: 10.47772/IJRISS.2024.8080168.
  8. Attanasio, O., Low, H. and Sanchez-Marcos, V. (2004), Explaining Changes in Female Labour Supply in a Life-Cycle Model, Faculty of Economics, University of Cambridge.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Sustainable Agricultural Development

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

December 19, 2025

Submission Date

April 21, 2025

Acceptance Date

August 3, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 31 Number: 2

APA
Geboloğlu, D., & Türkekul, B. (2025). Gender inequality and economic growth: An analysis of OECD countries. Tarım Ekonomisi Dergisi, 31(2), 221-235. https://doi.org/10.24181/tarekoder.1679612
AMA
1.Geboloğlu D, Türkekul B. Gender inequality and economic growth: An analysis of OECD countries. TJAE. 2025;31(2):221-235. doi:10.24181/tarekoder.1679612
Chicago
Geboloğlu, Damla, and Berna Türkekul. 2025. “Gender Inequality and Economic Growth: An Analysis of OECD Countries”. Tarım Ekonomisi Dergisi 31 (2): 221-35. https://doi.org/10.24181/tarekoder.1679612.
EndNote
Geboloğlu D, Türkekul B (December 1, 2025) Gender inequality and economic growth: An analysis of OECD countries. Tarım Ekonomisi Dergisi 31 2 221–235.
IEEE
[1]D. Geboloğlu and B. Türkekul, “Gender inequality and economic growth: An analysis of OECD countries”, TJAE, vol. 31, no. 2, pp. 221–235, Dec. 2025, doi: 10.24181/tarekoder.1679612.
ISNAD
Geboloğlu, Damla - Türkekul, Berna. “Gender Inequality and Economic Growth: An Analysis of OECD Countries”. Tarım Ekonomisi Dergisi 31/2 (December 1, 2025): 221-235. https://doi.org/10.24181/tarekoder.1679612.
JAMA
1.Geboloğlu D, Türkekul B. Gender inequality and economic growth: An analysis of OECD countries. TJAE. 2025;31:221–235.
MLA
Geboloğlu, Damla, and Berna Türkekul. “Gender Inequality and Economic Growth: An Analysis of OECD Countries”. Tarım Ekonomisi Dergisi, vol. 31, no. 2, Dec. 2025, pp. 221-35, doi:10.24181/tarekoder.1679612.
Vancouver
1.Damla Geboloğlu, Berna Türkekul. Gender inequality and economic growth: An analysis of OECD countries. TJAE. 2025 Dec. 1;31(2):221-35. doi:10.24181/tarekoder.1679612