An Analysis of Cultural Influences on Filipino Women's Employment Status in the Philippines

Date

6-2025

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Economics

College

College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Luisito C. Abueg

Committee Member

Gideon P. Carnaje, Maria Angeles O. Catelo

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Abstract

Cultural factors and social norms are deeply ingrained in the societal structures of the Philippines, influencing the economic behaviors of individuals, thereby affecting the employment status of women. Traditional gender roles designates women in the care industry, which leads to women unemployed and an even greater number as out of the labor market. This societal framework perpetuates the gender gap present in employment. This study aimed to analyze the socioeconomic and demographic profiles of women, identify cultural determinants and social norms affecting female employment, and assess how varying levels of exposure to these cultural determinants and social norms affect employment decisions among all women and specifically among unmarried women.

This study utilized principal component analysis to construct its cultural determinants using available data on the National Demographic Health Survey (NDHS). A probit regression was employed on two samples, the all women and the currently married women. Results showed that higher educational attainment, marriage, wealth status, and age had a positive association with female employment. Conversely, pregnancy, presence of kids who are 3 years or younger, having a partner with high levels of education leads to the decrease in probability of female employment.

Findings showed that married Muslim women have a negative association with employment, contrary to married Protestant women which increases the likelihood of employment. Significantly, experiencing high violence from a husband/partner increases the probability of the married woman's employment. Similarly, media exposure is positively associated with employment.

Language

English

LC Subject

Women employees—Philippines, Employment (Economic theory)

Location

UPLB College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Call Number

LG 993.5 2025 E2 V58

Notes

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Document Type

Thesis

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