Impact of gender norms on participation and fertility decisions in Brazil

Abstract

This research analyzes the impacts of social norms prevailing in Brazil on the participation in the labor market and on the fertility of married women, for the period from 2001 to 2015. Therefore, from information from the National Household Sample Survey of the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, bivariate probit regression models were estimated. The results indicate that gender inequalities persist over time, in which husbands dedicate relatively little to homework. It was found that gender norms have a significant effect on wives’ fertility and participation decisions in the labor market, with husbands’ tasks having positive impacts. It is noteworthy that the relationship between fertility and participation of wives in the labor market, in addition to being significant, is greater in 2015 than in 2001. Thus, the importance of assessing gender equity in terms of opportunities is highlighted, as well as public policies aimed at care, providing families with a balance of remunerated and domestic work in contemporary society.