The relationship between economic development and gender inequality in Province of Iran

In economic literature, there are two hypotheses regarding the link between economic development and gender inequality. the first gender inequality decreases with economic development. Second, economic development increases gender inequality. This research is conducted to investigate the effects of economic development on gender inequality according to Kuznets gender curve in Iran provinces. This curve is estimated using OLS. The results showed an inverted U relationship between gender inequality and per capita income in the provinces. Also there is inverse relationship between gender inequality and exports, and gender inequality with foreign direct investment. While the relationship between gender inequality and the share of industry in the economy, is indirect. Our findings challenged feminist and neoclassic perspectives about uniform effect of development on gender inequality and instead of accepting a general policy, suggests the need for gender inequality reduction programs tailored to economic development of different regions.