The Great Equalizer?: Globalization Effects on Gender Equality in Latin America and the Caribbean

Citation:

Seguino, Stephanie. 2006. “The  Great Equalizer?: Globalization Effects on Gender Equality in Latin America and  the Caribbean.” In Globalization and the Myth of Free Trade, edited by Anwar Shaikh. London: Routledge.

Author: Stephanie Seguino

Abstract:

This paper assesses the impact of 30 years of globalization on gender equity in well-being in Latin America and the Caribbean. Data indicates that while some gaps in well-being have narrowed, progress is uneven across a set of nine indicators, and in some cases, conditions have worsened. Despite the optimism of market proponents, growth is not found to be an equalizer for gender anymore than it has been shown to be by class. The results here indicate that growth exhibits a negative effect on some indicators, while growth of real government expenditures, female share of the labor force, and structural change variables exert a positive effect.

Keywords: globalization, gender equality

Topics: Class, Economies, Gender, Women, Gendered Power Relations, Gender Equality/Inequality, Gender Equity, Globalization, Political Economies Regions: Americas

Year: 2006