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International Journal for Equity in Health
Published in: International Journal for Equity in Health 1/2011

Open Access 01-12-2011 | Research

Measurement of gender inequality in neighbourhoods of Québec, Canada

Authors: Lum Tamambang, Nathalie Auger, Ernest Lo, Marie-France Raynault

Published in: International Journal for Equity in Health | Issue 1/2011

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Abstract

Introduction

Few studies have measured gender inequality at levels lower than the country. We sought to develop neighbourhood indicators of gender inequality, and assess their ability to capture variability in gender inequality across Québec, Canada.

Methods

Aggregate 2001 census data for 11,564 neighbourhoods were obtained for men and women. Twelve indicators of gender inequality representing demographic/household characteristics, education, income, work/leisure, and political participation were selected. Neighbourhood-level gender inequality scores were computed for each indicator, and examined across parts of Québec (metropolitan areas, mid-sized cities, rural areas). Monte Carlo simulations were used to assess the ability of indicators to capture heterogeneity in gender inequality across neighbourhoods.

Results

Male-dominant neighbourhood-level gender inequality tended to be present for average employment income, labour force participation, employment rate, and employment in managerial positions. Female-dominant gender inequality tended to be present for divorce, single-headed households, and participation in unpaid housework, child and elderly care. Neighbourhood-level gender inequality tended to vary across metropolitan areas, mid-sized cities, and rural areas. Gender inequality scores also varied within these geographic areas. For example, there was greater income-related gender inequality in high than low income neighbourhoods. Monte Carlo simulations suggested that the variation in gender inequality across neighbourhoods was greater than expected with chance alone.

Conclusion

Neighbourhood-level gender inequality tended to be present in Québec, and varied across parts of the province. Greater awareness of and research on neighbourhood-level gender inequality may be warranted to inform gender policies in Québec and other nations.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Measurement of gender inequality in neighbourhoods of Québec, Canada
Authors
Lum Tamambang
Nathalie Auger
Ernest Lo
Marie-France Raynault
Publication date
01-12-2011
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
International Journal for Equity in Health / Issue 1/2011
Electronic ISSN: 1475-9276
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-9276-10-52

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