Essays in gender economics

The three chapters of this dissertation explore the intersection of gender dynamics and economic outcomes. Chapter 1 examines the role of the early spread of videogames in the U.S. on the gender gap in computer science. The findings highlight the long-term impact of non-academic activities and the unintended consequences of technological and cultural shifts on education and career choices. Chapter 2 analyzes the long-term effects of the Covid-19 lockdown on the allocation of paid and unpaid work within households in Spain, showing a reduction in the gender gap in unpaid labor, driven primarily by shifts in childcare responsibilities. These results suggest that temporary shocks to household dynamics can lead to lasting changes in gender roles. Chapter 3 investigates the relationship between legal gender equality and children’s health and educational enrollment, finding increases mainly at higher levels of education. The findings emphasize the societal benefits of reforms to promote gender equality.