Gender equality, human development, and financial resilience: Country-level mediating pathways and international implications

Abstract

The gender perspective is less examined in previous research on development and financial resilience. Drawing on cross-national datasets and developmental social welfare perspectives, this study examined country-level mediating pathways of gender equality. Results show that human development significantly mediates the associations between gender equality in educational, occupational, and political domains and financial resilience, highlighting the importance of empowering women for equitable education opportunities. This study suggests that international social workers and development aid practitioners may invest in human capital and social empowerment to promote sustainable socioeconomic development. These global social investments particularly apply to the context of uncertainty and inequality.