Industrial Gold Mining and Female Empowerment
Benshaul-Tolonen, A. (2022). Industrial gold mining and female empowerment. Economic Development and Cultural Change.
75 Pages Posted: 9 Dec 2018 Last revised: 10 Nov 2023
Date Written: October 25, 2022
Abstract
Does industrial development affect female empowerment? This paper explores
the causal effects of a continent-wide expansion of a modern industry on female empowerment.
Identification relies on plausibly exogenous spatial-temporal variation in
gold mining in Africa. The establishment of industrial-scale mines induces female
empowerment—justification of domestic violence decreases by 19%, women have better
access to healthcare (23%), and are 31% more likely to work in services—alongside
rapid economic growth. The changes are not limited to subgroups, and are present
across women of all ages and migration status. There are no clear changes in attitudes
held by men—who are on average less likely to endorse violence—leading to a smaller
gender gap in justification of violence. Despite fears that a positive shock to a male
dominated sector would reduce women’s bargaining power in the household, no such
change is observed. Results survive several robustness checks relating to trends and
treatment distances, and are supported by results on community development, including
night light and health care access.
Keywords: Natural Resources; Gold Mining; Local Industrial Development; Female Empowerment; Domestic Violence; Bargaining Power; Service Sector Employment
JEL Classification: O12, O13, J16
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation