Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/272602 
Year of Publication: 
2023
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 15975
Publisher: 
Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
This study explores the relationship between women's representation in political power and school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a cross-country dataset in Europe, we document a striking negative relationship between the share of female members in national governments and school closures. We show that a one standard deviation increase in female members of national governments is associated with a reduction in the likelihood of school lockdowns by 24% relative to the average share of school closures. This result is robust to an extensive set of sensitivity checks. We attribute this pattern to a higher awareness of female politicians about the potential costs that school closures imply for families.
Subjects: 
school closures
COVID-19
gender
political economy
JEL: 
H52
I18
I20
J13
J16
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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