Abstract

This research explores the intricate interplay between marriage and female labor force participation in Ethiopia, unraveling how cultural norms, economic circumstances, and marital status collectively shape employment dynamics. The study highlights the challenges faced by married women, who often bear disproportionate domestic responsibilities, limiting their opportunities in formal employment. Additionally, it sheds light on the economic vulnerabilities of divorced or widowed women. The exploration of key theoretical concepts and factors influencing women's labor force decisions frames discussions around the labor-leisure tradeoff, marital status, wage rates, and utility. Utilizing graphical representations and utility-based models, the research illustrates the trade-offs women encounter between work and leisure, revealing the intricate decision-making influenced by societal norms and economic realities. A detailed exploration of utility theory and budget constraint modeling unveils the economic decision-making process of married women, emphasizing the nuanced interplay of income, time, and cultural expectations. The study extends into a literature review, synthesizing findings from diverse geographical settings to underscore the universal relevance of factors like marital status and education in shaping women's employment choices. Methodologically, the research plans to employ regression analysis using data from the Demographic and Health Surveys for Ethiopia, ensuring a rigorous examination of the relationship between marital status and women's labor force participation while addressing potential methodological challenges such as heteroskedasticity and multicollinearity.

Advisor

Krause, Brooke

Department

Economics

Disciplines

Economic Theory | Growth and Development

Publication Date

2024

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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