Relative gender differentials and Islam in non‐Arabic nations: a regional analysis

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to seek to empirically analyze whether the impact of Islam on relative gender performance varies by regions of the non‐Arabic world's economy. In addition, if in some regions Islam is found to have a negative impact on relative gender performance, an attempt is made to determine what aspect of Islamic practice (not doctrine) might account for this impact.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical estimations are carried out in a cross‐country framework.

Findings

The results indicate that the impact of Islam varies by region, for the most part being associated with a worsening in relative gender performance. However, once it accounts for differences in birth rates, the negative impact of Islam on gender inequality disappears for all regions.

Research limitations/implications

Fewer variations in the data limit the estimation procedures one can use for the purpose of the analysis.

Practical implications

Contrary to the consensus in the literature, the paper finds that it is not Islam that worsens gender inequality but rather the high fertility rates generally found among followers of Islam.

Originality/value

The paper is unique in its focusing exclusively on non‐Arab countries.

Citation

Self, S. and Grabowski, R. (2009), "Relative gender differentials and Islam in non‐Arabic nations: a regional analysis", International Journal of Development Issues, Vol. 8 No. 2, pp. 102-118. https://doi.org/10.1108/14468950910997675