Religion often reinforces traditional gender roles

What the study found: The survey concludes that the literature often finds religion reinforces traditional gender roles and is associated with women’s education, labor supply, and fertility decisions. It also notes heterogeneity and exceptions across studies and settings.

Why the authors say this matters: The authors suggest the findings matter because religion can shape gender norms and a range of social and economic outcomes, including education, labor market participation, fertility, health, legal institutions, and discrimination.

What the researchers tested: The paper surveys prior research on gender differences in religiosity and on how religion affects gender-related outcomes. It reviews explanations from sociology, economics, and psychology, and it gives special attention to studies using credible causal identification strategies such as natural experiments, instrumental variables, and policy reforms, while also considering correlational evidence.

What worked and what didn't: Across domains, the reviewed literature often indicates that religious teachings and participation are linked to more traditional gender roles. The abstract also notes that some secular reforms and religious movements have changed these outcomes, and that important heterogeneity and exceptions exist.

What to keep in mind: This is a survey of existing literature, not a single original study. The abstract says the authors distinguish between effects of individual religiosity and religious denomination, and it notes that the survey identifies gaps and future research priorities, but it does not list all of them in the abstract.

Key points

• The survey finds that religion often reinforces traditional gender roles.
• The reviewed literature links religion to women’s education, labor supply, and fertility decisions.
• The paper distinguishes between individual religiosity and religious denomination as sources of effects.
• It reviews studies using natural experiments, instrumental variables, policy reforms, and correlational evidence.
• The abstract notes heterogeneity, exceptions, and cases where reforms or religious movements changed outcomes.