Religion and women: How Waldensians reduced the gender gap

Abstract

Does religion affect the gender gap? Using data on inquisition trials to locate medieval Waldensian communities in the Italian municipalities of Piedmont and early 19th-century female literacy rates, we find that municipalities with a history of Waldensian presence display lower levels of the education gender gap, a pattern that persists to the present day. Moreover, women in these municipalities have higher levels of education, greater labor market participation, and increased political representation. Our results highlight the importance of cultural and social norms in shaping women’s empowerment and gender equality outcomes.