Abstract:
This thesis sheds new light on the link between gender inequality and intrahousehold bargaining
power with respect to health-related outcomes, human capital, labour market and fertility.
Gender specialisation and intrahousehold bargaining power in income production, as opposed to home
production, might be responsible for asymmetric responses to partner’s health shock in terms of labour market
and informal care. However, results show that no evidence emerges for gender-based behavioral responses
driven by gender specialisation. Collective modelling of household decisions predicts that a change in
bargaining- power resulting from a change in the distribution and control of resources, such as assets, might
affect fertility outcomes. Increased female asset ownership induced a sizable and statistically significant
reduction in fertility and has demographic implications for developing countries. Birth control rights and oral
contraceptives have the potential to reduce gender inequality and increase women’s empowerment.
Historically, in Europe, the pill induced a significant and sizable increase in women’s educational attainments
and in labour market outcomes due to increased control over life choices.
