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 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.
Engagement:
Working Paper:
https://cperbd.org/working-paper/2
http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5386701
Research Article:
Title: Household Income Dynamics and Wage Inequality in Bangladesh: Evidence from HIES 2010 and 2016.
DOI: 10.35866/caujed.2023.48.3.004