Economic Divides: Disparities in Wages and Household Earnings in Bangladesh
- By Al Mamun; Md. Arfanuzzaman; Nusrat Jahan Nishat
- Wage inequality; household earnings; human capital; gender wage gap; rural–urban disparities; sectoral wage differences
Project Title
Economic Divides: Disparities in Wages and Household Earnings in Bangladesh
CPER Working Paper Series No. 01 (Published on 22 September 2022).
Funding Source
Self-funded by the Center for Policy and Economic Research (CPER)
Project Location
Bangladesh (national coverage, including both rural and urban areas)
Project Description
This project examines wage disparities and household earnings inequality in Bangladesh using nationally representative household-level survey data. Drawing on the Household Income and Expenditure Surveys (HIES) 2010 and 2016, the study analyzes how human capital, demographic characteristics, and labor market factors influence wages and household income.
The research evaluates income differentials by education, work experience, age, gender, sector of employment, and rural–urban location. Econometric techniques grounded in labor economics are applied to estimate wage determinants and to assess changes in income inequality over time. The study provides a comparative analysis across two survey years, identifying persistent structural disparities and emerging trends in Bangladesh’s labor market.
The findings generate policy-relevant evidence to support labor market reforms, human capital investment, and inclusive growth strategies. The project demonstrates CPER’s capacity to design, implement, and disseminate high-quality applied economic research using large-scale micro-datasets.
Sample Size / Data
- Data Source: Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES), Bangladesh
- Type: Secondary, nationally representative household-level microdata
- Sample Size:
- 6,603 observations (2010)
- 16,801 observations (2016)
Partners
- Implemented independently by CPER
- No external project partners
- Data sourced from national statistical surveys
Personnel
- Al Mamun – Lead Researcher (CPER)
- Md. Arfanuzzaman – Co-Researcher
- Nusrat Jahan Nishat – Co-Researcher
Key Topics
- Wage inequality and household earnings
- Human capital (education and work experience)
- Gender wage gap
- Rural–urban income disparities
- Sectoral wage differences
- Labor market outcomes and income distribution
- Policy implications for inclusive economic growth