Gender Inequality in the Labour Market: Comparison of Turkey and OECD Countries by Multidimensional Scaling Method

Abstract

New technologies, new forms of production, flexible working styles and deepening international competition shaped by the globalization process have more deeply affected the already fragile female employment. Along with all these changes, gender inequality, especially in the labor market, makes it difficult for women to find and hold a place in the labor market. It is possible to embody the gender inequality in the labor market through the main labour market indicators. In this study, Turkey and OECD countries (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) were compared using the multidimensional scaling method within the framework of basic indicators in the labor market (according to gender discrimination). Thus, Turkey's position on an international scale was determined in terms of gender inequality in the labor market. A total of 37 countries, including Turkey, are members of the OECD. Analysis was carried out based on 2019 data compiled from OECD statistical database. Colombia and Lithuania were not included in the analysis due to lack of data. As part of the analysis, women's labor force participation rates, employment rates, part time working rates, the proportion of women working as managers and unemployment rates were used as the main indicators. Accordingly, it was concluded that Turkey differs from other OECD countries in terms of female employment indicators. But when it comes to the male workforce, Turkey's position changes according to the same variables, it bears similarities with countries such as Spain, Italy, France.

Keywords

• women employment
• gender inequality
• labor market
• multidimensional scaling analysis