Gender bias and the female brain drain

Abstract

This article contributes to the emerging literature on gender differences in the causes and consequences of brain drain. Differentiating between gender bias in the access to economic opportunities and gender differentials in economic outcomes, we find that differences in access have a significant impact on the emigration of highly skilled women relative to that of men. However, differentials in outcomes do not have a significant impact. Additionally, the structure of political institutions in the source countries does not have a significant impact on the difference in emigration rates.

Notes

¹The literature on internal migration has long acknowledged the need to look into gender differences. See Agesa and Agesa (1999, 2005).

²In contrast to studies documenting less favourable outcomes for immigrant women, Adsera and Chiswick (2007) found that women immigrants to the EU perform better than their male counterparts, compared to the native born of the same gender.

³For this last factor, the interpretation may require a brief explanation. Investment profile measures the protection against the risk of expropriation and the security of property rights. Government stability measures the extent to which the government is able to carry out its stated policies.