Family Economic Inequality and Gender Dynamics in Kosovo: Resource Allocation, Unpaid Work, and Decision-Making (2019–2024)

Abstract

This study examines family economic inequality in Kosovo with a specific focus on gender dynamics related to intra-household resource allocation, unpaid work, decision-making power, and women’s roles in family-owned businesses during the period 2019–2024. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research combines official labor market statistics with primary survey data collected from 522 women through snowball sampling. The analysis integrates descriptive statistics with advanced quantitative techniques, including reliability testing, factor analysis, and regression models. The findings indicate that unequal distribution of household resources, a high burden of unpaid work, and limited participation in family decision-making significantly reduce women’s employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. Education and economic autonomy emerge as key mediating factors, while marital status and age moderate these relationships. The study contributes to the literature on family economics and gender inequality by empirically demonstrating how intra-family dynamics shape labor market outcomes. The results provide evidence-based insights for designing gender-sensitive labor and family policies in Kosovo.