Female Labour Force Participation in Turkey: The Role of Traditionalism

Turkey witnessed a remarkable transformation over the last century. However, the female labour force participation rate (FLFPR) stagnated around 30 per cent, well below the OECD average. In this study, the determinants of female labour force participation are analysed with a special focus on the effects of traditionalism. Using probit and multinomial logit models as well instrumental variable approach, the effects of traditional norms for 3 sectors and 5 job statuses are estimated. Widely used determinants in the literature such as own education, fertility and maternity conditions are found significant with expected signs where own education has the biggest impact on labour force participation and employment. Finally, it is found that women who were raised under a traditional culture have a lower probability to participate to labour force and find jobs. These detrimental effects are stronger in services sector and among regular/waged workers.