IMF-结构性财政政策对经合组织国家女性劳动力参与的作用（英）-2023.9-51页_1mb

IMF Working Paper Summary: WP/23/186

Title: The Role of Structural Fiscal Policy on Female Labor Force Participation in OECD Countries
Authors: Miyoko Asai, Qiaoe Chen, Jiro Honda, Xingwei Hu, and Qianqian Zhang
Date: September 2023

I. Introduction

• Promoting gender equality is a global goal; however, large gender gaps in labor force participation persist in OECD countries.
• Fiscal policies play a crucial role in addressing these gaps.

II. Key Findings

1. Positive Effects of Fiscal Policies

• Early Childcare and Education: Public spending reduces the burden of unpaid care, encouraging women to enter the labor force.
• Unemployment Benefits: Generous benefits can support job search efforts and keep women in the labor force, especially when linked to active labor market programs.
• Active Labor Market Programs (ALMPs): Job training and assistance boost female employment and reduce labor force exits.

2. Negative Effects of Fiscal Policies

• Higher Taxes on Second Earners: Increase the tax wedge, discouraging female labor supply.
• Pension Spending: Generous pensions may incentivize early retirement, particularly among older women.

3. Methodology and Results

• VECM Model: Used to address non-stationarity and endogeneity issues in panel data.
• Key Variables:
  • Government spending on childcare, ALMPs, and unemployment benefits positively correlates with female LFPR.
  • Labor tax wedge and pension spending negatively correlate with female LFPR.
• Decomposition Analysis: ALMPs are the most impactful policy tool, with effects channeled through unemployment benefits.

III. Policy Implications

1. Enhance Supportive Policies:
   • Increase spending on childcare, ALMPs, and unemployment benefits.
   • Design policies tailored to country-specific needs.
2. Avoid Detrimental Policies:
   • Reform tax systems to reduce gender gaps and curb early retirement incentives.
3. Long-Term Commitment: Sustain fiscal measures to achieve lasting gender equality in labor markets.

IV. Challenges and Future Research

• COVID-19 Impact: Further analysis needed to understand pandemic-induced labor force changes.
• Granular Data: Use microdata for more precise tax policy analyses.
• Country-Specific Context: Tailored fiscal measures for developing economies.

V. Conclusion

Structural fiscal policies, particularly targeted spending and tax reforms, can significantly promote female labor force participation and reduce gender gaps in OECD countries. Policymakers should prioritize investments in childcare, active labor market programs, and social safety nets while reforming tax and pension systems to minimize negative effects.