Econ 135: Economics of Gender in the Developing World

MWF 1:00-2:05, Spring 2005
Michael Kevane
Department of Economics
Santa Clara University
Kenna 300-P
lsb.scu.edu/~mkevane
mkevane@scu.edu
554-6888

This course will explore the nature and causes of women's poverty in the developing world by developing a set of tools commonly used by economists. The tools arise from the method of approaching social problems that is most characteristic of economics, namely assuming that individuals are efficient in making choices consistent with their preferences and the social structure they are immersed in, making models of those choices and structures, and using statistical analysis to test the models. So we will start by examining economic structures such as land, labor and marriage markets and institutions. We will examine the choices that individuals make, focusing on how individuals and households may be caught in vicious circles, where women's labor and contributions are undervalued in the market, and so fewer investments are made in girls' nutrition, education, and training, which then validates the perception of people that women's labor is less ‘effective' than men's. We will discuss a subtle controversy in economics: does gender bargaining matter more within the household or without the household (that is, in society at large). Is the poverty of women due to their low bargaining power vis-a-vis their husbands, or is it due to their lower status in society? We will explore also the economic approach to norms and to bargaining. At the end of the quarter we go on to examine development projects that have in the past invariably favored men in planning and implementation, but that are increasingly targeted towards women. Finally we conclude with some practical discussions of policies and projects.

Course requirements:
Midterm exam (20 multiple choice, 6 short 1-2 paragraphs questions) 25%
Cumulative final exam (emphasis on second half; 20 multiple choice,
6 short 1-2 paragraphs questions, 3 essays) 35%
Research paper (for assignment of project click here, and for Afrobarometer webpage click here) 28%

NEW: Download the full 12 country Afrobarometer Excel file (temporarily for students in this class only)

Econometric assignments (4 assignments; use instructor provided
Excel data and run regressions) 12%

Readings:
Michael Kevane, Women and Development in Africa: How Gender Works (Lynne Rienner Pub., Boulder, CO, 2004)

Engendering development through gender equality in rights, resources, and voice

Factory Daughters, Dianne Wolf (available in bookstore)

Other readings as given below, which can be found on the class website.

Schedule of classes, readings, and assignments
(please have readings done before class)

Instructions for posting comments on the Econ 135 blog.

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