Breaking Barriers: How Safety, Knowledge, and History Shape Economic and Social Outcomes
Work is more than just a paycheck—it’s about safety, opportunity, and fairness. In a recently published doctoral thesis, IIES graduate student, Dominik Biesalski, explores these themes, shedding light on workplace safety in Uganda, the career decisions of young adults, and the colonial roots of homophobia in Sub-Saharan Africa. His findings reveal how economic structures and historical legacies continue to shape people's lives in profound ways.
Safer Work, Higher Earnings: The Impact of Workplace Safety
In Uganda’s informal waste sector, self-employed waste collectors face hazardous conditions daily. Dominik conducted a randomized controlled trial to examine whether removing financial barriers to workplace safety could improve their well-being. The results were striking: when workers received free personal protective equipment (PPE), they used it consistently, experienced fewer injuries, and reported better physical and mental health. Interestingly, despite no immediate change in labor supply, their productivity improved over time, leading to higher earnings, better financial stability, and greater food security. The study underscores how simple interventions—like ensuring access to safety gear—can yield major economic and health benefits in low-income jobs.
Better Information, Better Careers: Addressing Gendered Job Sorting
For many young people in urban Uganda, career decisions are shaped by misinformation and societal expectations. Surveying over 1,000 young men and women, Dominik found that many overestimated their future earnings and were unaware of actual job market conditions. Providing them with accurate information lowered their expectations but did not significantly alter their career choices. However, the study found that financial returns and family approval were key factors in career selection, contributing to gendered job sorting. Women were particularly influenced by family expectations, steering them away from traditionally male-dominated, higher-paying jobs. The research suggests that addressing perceived family approval constraints could help narrow the gender earnings gap by encouraging women to pursue a broader range of careers.
Colonial Legacies and Homophobia: A Lingering Divide
Homophobia remains widespread in Sub-Saharan Africa, and a common belief is that colonial rule played a significant role in entrenching these attitudes. Dominik tested this hypothesis by examining communities split by former colonial borders. His findings confirmed that people in previously colonized regions were more likely to hold homophobic beliefs than those in uncolonized Liberia. Comparing different colonial legacies, he found that former Portuguese colonies were more tolerant, while British and French colonies showed no significant differences in attitudes. Additional evidence from Cameroon reinforced these patterns. The research highlights colonialism’s lasting impact on social norms, challenging assumptions about which colonial powers were most influential in shaping homophobic attitudes.
Policy Implications and the Way Forward
Dominik’s work offers crucial insights for policymakers. Improving workplace safety through financial support for protective gear can enhance both health and economic outcomes. Addressing gendered career sorting requires tackling societal and familial constraints, not just providing information. And understanding the colonial roots of discrimination can inform strategies for fostering more inclusive societies. These studies remind us that economic and social policies must consider both historical legacies and present-day barriers to create fairer opportunities for all.
Dominik will defend his thesis “Essays on Working Conditions, Occupational Choices, and Discrimination” on March 14.
Last updated: February 21, 2025
Source: Institute for International Economic Studies (IIES)