Economic growth and female labour force participation in an ageing society: evidence from Southeast Asia

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study examines the impact of female labour participation and life expectancy on economic growth in Southeast Asia economies using non-stationary panel data techniques. The study utilizes balanced panel data spanning from 1992 to 2020, encompassing ten countries in Southeast Asia. The results reveal that economic growth, female labour participation, and other factors are cointegrated. The findings indicate that trade openness has a negative impact on economic growth. However, we find that female labour participation, female longevity, female education, domestic investment, and foreign direct investment have a positive long-term effect on economic growth. Our study also highlights that the effect of female labour participation on growth varies depending on female longevity. We find that female labour participation positively impacts economic growth but changes negatively when countries exhibit a high level of female life expectancy.