A recent study in Ethiopia has found that formal employment can lead to a significant change in how women identify their ethnicity. In a country where ethnicity plays a crucial role in accessing opportunities, safety, and political rights, this shift is substantial. The study, conducted by a team of political scientists and development economists, used data from a unique field experiment involving 27 firms across five Ethiopian regions.
The experiment randomly assigned job offers to qualified female applicants, and the researchers tracked the women’s employment status, earnings, and ethnic identity over a period of three years. The results showed that around 8% of the women changed their stated ethnicity, with those who received a job offer being 4.3 percentage points more likely to switch their ethnic identity than those who did not.
The study’s findings suggest that formal employment can lead to a change in ethnic identity, particularly for women who enter the formal labor market. This change is often driven by practical concerns about personal safety, as women may feel more vulnerable in public spaces, especially if their ethnicity places them on the “wrong” side of a local conflict. Some women may adopt a more neutral ethnic identity to navigate these tensions, depending on their appearance, language skills, and religion.
The study’s results have significant implications for Ethiopia and other African countries pursuing industrialization and labor-market expansion. The findings highlight the need for policies and protections that address the unique challenges faced by women in the formal labor market, particularly in countries with high levels of ethnic tension and conflict. The global garment industry, which is increasingly shifting production to Africa, must also take into account the local realities and provide adequate safety nets and protections for workers.
The study’s authors note that changing one’s ethnic identity is not a trivial act, and it carries significant implications for family, community, and belonging. The fact that women may feel compelled to alter their identity to feel safe on their commute to work raises uncomfortable questions about the true cost of industrialization and the need for more nuanced approaches to economic development. Ultimately, the study’s findings underscore the importance of prioritizing the dignity and safety of workers, particularly women, in the pursuit of economic growth and development.
