Can the historical gender gap index deepen our understanding of economic development?

Abstract Knowledge of the long relationship between gender equality and economic growth is hampered by lack information resources on various dimensions equality. This paper a first attempt to assess size gap investigate its with from historical perspective. Exploiting unique census-based dataset 86 French counties in mid-nineteenth century, I construct index measuring men women three critical areas: opportunities, educational attainment, health. A county comparison allows me identify strengths weaknesses closing gap. find that France can be divided into two main areas, North South. In particular, Northern have done most narrow display better performance. Boys' girls' education family structures appear crucial determinants Gender positively significantly associated Accounting for multi-dimensions development.