Socioeconomic Development and Gender Inequality in Bangladesh: The Mediating Role of Marriage

Lisa M. Bates, Harvard University
Farzana Islam, Jahangirnagar University
Md. Khairul Islam, Plan International

This paper presents findings from a study of the relationships between socioeconomic development processes and interventions, gender inequality, and reproductive and sexual health in rural Bangladesh. Using longitudinal and cross-sectional survey data from 1994 and 2002, we identify social and economic enabling factors that contribute to women's empowerment, examine the near-term and inter-generational health and social effects of women's empowerment, and describe the mechanisms through which change occurs. We hypothesize that the effects of policies, programs, and economic opportunities on women's empowerment are often influenced by strategies developed by individuals, families and larger social entities regarding marriage, family formation, and economic survival. In particular, prevailing marriage systems and practices may undermine the effects of development policies and programs that would be expected to enhance women's empowerment and gender equality. We use complementary qualitative data to better understand the complex pathways between social and economic factors, gender inequality, and health outcomes.