Job Discrimination against Women and Endogenous Population Change in a Generalized Solow Growth Model

Abstract

This study is concerned with economic growth and population change with discrimination against women in the labor market within the analytical framework of the Solow one sector growth model. The study models dynamic interactions between the birth rate, the mortality rate, the population, wealth accumulation, and time distribution between work, leisure and children caring. The production technology and markets are built on the Solow growth model. We base our modeling the population dynamics on the Haavelmo population model and the Barro-Becker fertility choice model. This study also takes account of discrimination against woman in the labor market. We synthesize these dynamic forces in a compact framework, using the utility function proposed by Zhang. We simulate the model to demonstrate existence of equilibrium points and motion of the dynamic system. We also examine the effects of changes in the discrimination against woman, the propensity to have children, the propensity to save, woman’s propensity to pursue leisure activities, woman’s human capital and man’s emotional involvement in children caring.