This study examines the effects of trade and investment liberalization policy reforms on gender earnings inequality during the post-transition period in Hungary. The research is based on panel data from Hungarian Wage and Earnings Survey and other statistical sources for 21 industrial categories using inter-industry gender wage determination model as its main analytical approach. Unlike many other studies on inequality in post-communist countries, this study incorporates the effects of macro level changes in gender inequality analysis. Thus, the first for Hungary, the study serves as an exemplar research for other post-communist economies. Policy designers aimed at promoting a more equitable macroeconomic environment and activists interested in reducing labor market inequalities between men and women could benefit from this research.

Tseveenbolor Davaa, Ph.D. in Economics: University of Utah. Consultant at Accenture LLP.