Exploring the Nexus Between Birth Rates, Female Employment, and Economic Growth: A Turkish Perspective (1999–2022)

This study investigates the relationship between birth rates and key economic and social factors, including the female employment rate, gender inequality index, and per capita GDP, in Turkey from 1999 to 2022. Using Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) and Phillips-Perron (PP) unit root tests, the stationarity properties of the variables were examined, followed by the Breitung and Candelon frequency domain causality test to explore causal relationships in the short, medium, and long term. The results reveal that female employment exerts a significant positive impact on birth rates in the long run, indicating that women’s integration into the labor market can harmonize with demographic sustainability when supported by inclusive policies. In contrast, the gender inequality index was found to have a limited but negative influence on birth rates, highlighting the importance of gender equality in shaping economic and demographic outcomes. Additionally, per capita GDP significantly influences birth rates, reflecting the dynamic interplay between economic growth and demographic trends. These findings emphasize the need for targeted policies that address the interconnected nature of demographic and economic factors. This research provides valuable insights into the role of gender equality and employment policies in promoting sustainable development. By demonstrating the causal links between these variables, the study contributes to the broader literature on demographic economics and emphasizes the critical importance of creating policy frameworks that support women’s labor force participation while fostering demographic and economic balance Keywords: Birth rates, female employment, gender inequality, frequency domain causality