Cultural Determinants of Economic and Political Outcomes: Gender, Religion and Kinship

Abstract

This dissertation explores the cultural determinants of economic and political outcomes, focusing on gender disparities, political polarization, and firm dynamics. The first chapter examines the gender gap in firm leadership, highlighting the influence of religious contexts on the differential performance of male and female leaders in developing countries. The second chapter investigates the impact of women’s suffrage on political polarization in the United States during the early 20th century. Using a state-level panel dataset from 1870 to 1940, the study finds that states that granted women the right to vote experienced a significant decline in political polarization. The findings suggest that this decrease was primarily driven by incumbent politicians adjusting their policy positions in response to the newly enfranchised female electorate, particularly within the Democratic Party. The third chapter delves into the relationship between firm size and kinship ties in developing countries. The analysis demonstrates that strong kinship ties help small firms enter and grow to a certain size, but limit their ability to expand to medium firms. Together, these chapters contribute to understanding how cultural and institutional factors shape economic and political landscapes, offering insights into the complex interplay between gender, politics, and firm growth.