The impact of shocks on gender-differentiated asset dynamics: Evidence from Bangladesh

Abstract

Husbands and wives accumulate and own assets both individually and jointly, and they use these assets differently to cope with adverse events, that is, shocks (for more information, see the companion policy note on this research by Quisumbing, Kumar, and Behrman). These dynamics are important because female con­trol over assets positively affects household well-being, especially regarding children. It is important to consider the various types of assets involved in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the impact of shocks on household assets. This policy note summarizes research that builds on existing studies on the gender-differentiated impacts of shocks on household asset holdings in Bangladesh, which is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change because of its densely populated coastal area and large population living below the poverty line.