Labor and Migration Economics

Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries stand out in international comparisons of de jure obstacles to female employment and entrepreneurship. These obstacles manifest themselves in low rates of female labor participation, entrepreneurship, and ownership. Recent research suggests a connection between international trade and female labor participation. In this article, the authors focus on the relationship between international trade and gender in the MENA countries.

According to official statistics, about 30 million Africans have migrated internationally.   While the emigration of skilled workers can generate substantial benefits for origin countries through remittances, it can also impair development by reducing the supply of critical services.  International migration has tremendous potential to improve development and welfare in origin countries.  African governments can play a significant role in securing the benefits of migration.

This paper examines the impact of prime-age adult mortality on the transition from school to the labor market of adolescents and on decisions by female adults to participate in the labor force in South Africa. The analysis focuses on that period-1998-2004-when South Africa experienced excess mortality due to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. We find, first, that deaths of prime-age adults significantly increase both male and female adolescents’ labor force participation because they stop their schooling in order to help support their families.