First and second-order beliefs towards female labor force participation in Morocco

A puzzling disconnect between rising female education and persistently low female labor force participation (FLFP), known as the "MENA paradox", has been highlighted in the Middle East and North Africa region. Our study examines whether and how first- and second-order beliefs regarding FLFP contribute to explaining this paradox. We design a novel list experiment method to measure attitudes toward FLFP, controlling for social desirability bias (SDB). We implement this method through a representative population survey in Morocco, assessing attitudes toward FLFP among young Moroccans (aged 18–29) and their key social referents, including parents, peers, and community members. Moreover, we measure second-order beliefs (beliefs about others' beliefs) of these young Moroccans regarding the attitudes of their social referents. This rich dataset enables us to investigate (i) the extent of misperceptions about social norms related to FLFP by comparing second-order beliefs to actual observed attitudes; and (ii) the explanatory power of first- and second-order beliefs in shaping women's intentions to work outside the home. The survey targets 2,500 households and 3,000 young respondents through individual interviews, using a representative sampling strategy. Only households with young adult children (aged 18-29) will be included. Within each selected household, one parent will be randomly selected and interviewed, along with the eligible young adult children. Interviews will be conducted individually and separately using computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI). The study focuses specifically on a survey module dedicated to measuring attitudes towards FLFP. This module includes: 1.A measurement of attitudes towards FLFP using a newly developed list experiment method designed to measure and correct for social desirability bias. 1bis.A measure of support for FLFP through respondents' allocation of an external budget between two Moroccan associations, one explicitly promoting FLFP and another unrelated. Respondents will be informed that the allocation receiving the highest number of votes will be implemented for real. 2. A direct elicitation question about FLFP, positioned several questions after the initial indirect measurement. 3. A series of questions eliciting second-order beliefs about others' attitudes toward FLFP, including: -men in Morocco -women in Morocco -men in the community -women in the community -parents -spouses (if married) -peers (if unmarried). 4.Questions measuring respondents' second-order beliefs about others' "real" attitudes toward FLFP, aiming to measure beliefs about the existence of social desirability bias. 5. Question about women’s intentions to work outside the home. 6.Questions measuring perceived costs and benefits associated with FLFP. 7.A set of questions assessing adherence to patriarchal values. 8.Usual demographic information for control purposes.