Education

  • Ph.D. 2011

    Ph.D. in Economics

    University of Utah

  • M.A.2005

    M.A. in Economics

    Istanbul Technical University

  • B.S.2002

    B.S. in Management Engineering

    Istanbul Technical University

Honors, Awards and Grants

  • 2005-2011
    University Graduate Assistantship and Tuition Award
    University Graduate Assistantship and Tuition Award, University of Utah (PhD Coursework GPA: 4.00/4.00)
  • June 2012
    IAFFE Travel Grant for participation in the 21st IAFFE Annual Conference
    IAFFE Travel Grant for participation in the 21st IAFFE Annual Conference
  • July 2010
    IAFFE Travel Grant for participation in the 19th IAFFE Annual Conference
    IAFFE Travel Grant for participation in the 19th IAFFE Annual Conference

1. Revisiting the Trade-Wage Structure Nexus: A Micro Analysis for Turkey [SSCI]

Nursel Aydıner-Avşar
Journal Article Journal of Development Studies, Volume 50, Issue 8, August 2014, pages 1156-1171.

Abstract

This paper analyses the impact of international trade on wages in Turkey using individual-level data. It explicitly accounts for differences in the destination and origin of trade flows as well as their composition. The results suggest that only imports of inputs from developed countries have a positive effect on wages. This effect is higher for high-skilled labour, supporting the skill-enhancing trade hypothesis. While exports to developing countries positively affect wages, especially for low-skilled labour, exports to developed countries exert downward pressure on wages, pointing to a possible impact of competitive pressures from low-wage developing countries in traditional export markets.

2. The Determinants of Employment: A Sectoral Analysis for Turkey [SSCI]

Nursel Aydıner-Avşar, Özlem Onaran
Journal Article Developing Economies, Volume 48, Issue 2, June 2010, pages 203-231.

Abstract

This paper analyzes the effects of wages, openness, and demand on employment in the private manufacturing industry in Turkey based on panel data for the period of 1973–2001. The wage elasticity of employment increases after trade liberalization. Nevertheless, output elasticity of labor demand is higher than wage elasticity in the total manufacturing sector for the whole estimation period, and in the high- and medium-skilled sectors in the post-1980 period. Trade effects, after controlling for output, seem to have a low economic significance. The positive effects of exports on the labor intensity of production are low or are offset by labor saving effects of foreign trade, particularly in the high- and medium-skilled sectors. On the other hand, there is some evidence of a negative import effect in the low-skilled sectors, whereas in the high- and medium-skilled group a complementary relation between domestic labor and imported inputs dominates the effects.

3. The 2008/2009 Economic Crisis: The Impact on Psychological Well-Being in the USA [Econlit]

Chiara Piovani, Nursel Aydıner-Avşar
Journal Article Forum for Social Economics, Volume 44, Issue 1, January 2015, pages 18-45.

Abstract

The 2008/09 economic crisis has been the worst crisis of capitalism since the Great Depression. The causes and implications of the so-called “Great Recession” have been widely documented, but the effects of the crisis on psychological well-being have only received limited attention. Using state-level data, this paper aims to assess empirically the impact of the 2008/09 crisis on several indicators of mental health in the USA. The results indicate that unemployment and income levels have a significant and detrimental impact on mental health. This implies that social protection systems—and in particular labor market programs—play a paramount role in reducing the adverse impact of the crisis on mental health.

4. The Gender Impact of Social Protection Policies: A Critical Review of the Evidence [Econlit]

Chiara Piovani, Nursel Aydıner-Avşar
Journal Article Review of Political Economy, Volume 17, Issue 3, July 2015, pages 410-441.

Abstract

Over the course of the neoliberal era, social protection policies have been transformed dramatically; these changes have had profound gender implications. Since the early 1980s, welfare state regimes around the world have shifted away from ‘universalism' towards ‘targeting'. More recently, there has been a further shift—especially in industrialized countries—away from the male-breadwinner to the adult worker model. Despite the progressivity implied by this latter shift, important issues of gender inequality remain unresolved (even in Nordic countries where levels of gender equity are higher than elsewhere). This paper presents a critical review of social protection policies, examined from a gender perspective. The analysis presents a conceptual framework on gender and the welfare state, and examines the experience of major industrialized and developing countries in engendering social policy. In particular, this paper provides a careful examination of care-related programs, since this domain is particularly important to understanding the gendered effects of social protection policies. Finally, the gendered implications of the global crisis and subsequent policy measures are examined.

5. Conditional Cash Transfer Programs from a Gender Perspective: A Comparative Evaluation for Turkey [ASOS]

Nursel Aydıner-Avşar
Journal Article European Journal of Economic and Political Studies, Volume 7, December 2014, pages 37-66.

Abstract

This paper aims to evaluate the conditional cash transfer (CCT) program in Turkey from a comparative gender perspective. The paper first presents a detailed review of the gender impact of CCT programs in developing countries to assess the success of these programs in fostering gender equality. The paper then evaluates the CCT program in Turkey in comparison to the cases of Brazil and Mexico, using the most up-to-date data on each program, along a number of dimensions including targeting method, benefit structure, conditions, and program administration. The main objective of the paper is to put the Turkish CCT program in a comparative perspective with the two well-known and successful CCT programs in the developing world in terms of program design and reach. This way, the paper aims to shed light to how successful the Turkish CCT program has been in implementing the so-called model CCT programs in these two countries. It is seen that the Turkish CCT program falls behind the programs in Brazil and Mexico in terms of coverage and amount of GDP allocated. The benefits show a more detailed structure than Brazil but are less developed and generous than the one in Mexico. Although the CCT program in Turkey had a positive impact on school enrollment, particularly for girls, and women’s empowerment, it hasn’t been influential in reducing poverty.

6. A Spatial Inequality Analysis of Life Satisfaction in Turkey (in Turkish) [EconLit]

M. Burak Önemli, Nursel Aydıner-Avşar
Journal ArticleMETU Studies in Development, Volume 43, No 2, August 2016, pages 607-634.

Abstract

The objective of this study is to investigate the inter-regional inequality in life satisfaction in Turkey from a spatial perspective. The 2013 Life Satisfaction Survey micro dataset is used in the analysis. There is a large literature on the economics of happiness around the world with a focus on the level and the determinants of happiness. More recently, there is growing interest in the distribution of happiness/life satisfaction within this literature. Although there are a number of studies on the determinants of happiness/life satisfaction in Turkey, to the best of our knowledge, there is no study analyzing the inequality of happiness/life satisfaction. Our study contributes to the relevant literature in two ways. First, the study adds a new analysis to the very small literature on life satisfaction in Turkey by investigating the inequality dimension. It also looks into the relationship between life satisfaction inequality and development level of provinces. The second and more important contribution of the study is to highlight the importance of taking into account spatial effects in the happiness/life satisfaction analyses.

7. Exploring the Trade and Gender Nexus: The Case of Manufacturing in COMESA Countries

Nursel Aydıner-Avşar, Mariangela Linoci
Journal ArticleBridges Africa, Volume 6, Number 4, 13 June 2017.

8. Changes in the Turkish Wage Structure in the EU Accession Process

Nursel Aydıner-Avşar, M. Burak Önemli
Book Chapter In: Comparative Economics and Regional Development in Turkey (Eds. B. Christiansen & M. Erdoğdu), pages 187-208, Hershey, PA: IGI Global, August 2015, ISBN: 781466687295.

Abstract

This chapter aims to analyze the evolution of Turkish wage structure following the introduction of new labor law in 2003 in the EU accession process. The authors first present a descriptive picture of the changes in wage inequality between 2003 and 2013. They then conduct an econometric analysis of the relative importance of individual, job- and workplace-related factors on wages across the wage distribution to understand what drives this outcome. It is found that wage inequality decreased from 2003 to 2007, and increased during the global economic crisis. Increased returns to college education, skilled white collar jobs as well as returns to construction sector stand out as the major factors increasing wage inequality. Though to a lesser extent, increased returns to blue-collar jobs, formal job status and reduced returns to employment in large firms are factors reducing wage inequality in Turkey in the post-2003 era.

9. Are Women in the MENA Region Really that Different from Women in Europe? Globalization, Conservative Values and Female Labor Market Participation

Justina A.V. Fischer, Nursel Aydıner-Avşar
Book Chapter In: Comparative Political and Economic Perspectives on the MENA Region (Eds. M. Erdoğdu & B. Christiansen), pages 75-110, Hershey, PA: IGI Global, December 2015, ISBN: 9781466696013.

Abstract

This chapter compares women in the MENA region with women in Europe as to how globalization affects their conservatism, and, thereby, their labor market participation. Conservative values are defined as both religious values and socio-political attitudes. Using micro data from the World Values Survey 1981-2014 from 80 countries, we employ various indicators of globalization that reflect, first, international trade and, second, global flows of information. In pre-1994 Western Europe, economic globalization appears to weaken those conservative secular values that pertain to female employment, while all remaining secular-conservative values erode after 1994. The MENA region of today resembles pre-cold war Western Europe, with post-cold-war Western Europe possibly predicting changes to come in the MENA region. In the MENA region, women respond to intensifying economic globalization with deeper religiosity, possibly as form of self-protection. Global exchange of information, however, weakens all kinds of conservative values in general in either region.

10. Think Tanks in the Field of Economics: The Cases of Brookings Institute and TEPAV (in Turkish)

Nursel Aydıner-Avşar
Book Chapter In: Politika Yapımında Düşünce Kuruluşları: Ulusal ve Uluslararası Bazı Örnekler (Eds. S. Öksüz, Ç. Üstün, S. Akşit, N. Aydıner Avşar, N. Aytuğ Gün), sayfa 25-43, Izmir: Gediz Üniversitesi Yayınları, Ekim 2015, ISBN: 9786058393103.

11. Education Inequality among Working Age Population in Turkey: A Cohort Analysis

Bengi Yanık-İlhan, Nursel Aydıner-Avşar
Book Chapter In: Emerging Patterns of Work and Turkish Labour Market Challenges under Globalization (Eds. R. Blanpain, T. Dereli, P. Soykut-Sarıca & A. Şen,Taşbaşı), pages 75-100, Amsterdam: Wolters Kluwer Law & Business, November 1, 2013, ISBN: 9789041149831.

12. Gender Inequality and Education Gap in Developing Countries: Notes on Turkey

Bengi Yanık-İlhan, Nursel Aydıner-Avşar
Book Chapter In: The Greening of China and Asia (Handbook of Green Economics) (Eds. M. Kennet & N. Kamaruddin), pages 263-267, London: The Green Economics Institute, February 10, 2012, ISBN: 9781907543081.

13. Trade Policy and Human Rights Obligations of the USA: the Case of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)

Nursel Aydıner-Avşar, Diane Elson
Book Chapter In: Economic Policy and Human Rights: Holding Governments to Account (Eds. R. Balakrishnan & D. Elson), pages 199-221, London: Zed Books, November 10, 2011, ISBN: 9781848138759.

14. Human Rights and Public Expenditure in USA

Nursel Aydıner-Avşar, Diane Elson
Book Chapter In: Economic Policy and Human Rights: Holding Governments to Account (Eds. R. Balakrishnan & D. Elson), pages 99-130, London: Zed Books, November 10, 2011, ISBN: 9781848138759.

15. What Determines to Hold a High-paying Job? The Case of Turkey

Nursel Aydıner-Avşar, M. Burak Önemli
Proceedings 15th International Symposium on Econometrics, Operations Research and Statistics Proceedings Book, pages 310-321, 22-24 May 2014, Isparta, Turkey, ISBN: 978-9944452809.

16. The Gender Impact of Social Protection Policies in the United States: Trends, Debates And Policy Recommendations

Nursel Aydıner-Avşar, Chiara Piovani
Proceedings Annual Conference on International Political Economy: Challenges to the Welfare State, Proceedings-Selected Papers, pages 26-42, 22-25 May 2012, İzmir, Turkey, ISBN: 978-6056139468.

17. Neoliberalism, Global Crisis and Social Protection Policies: A Gender Perspective

Nursel Aydıner-Avşar, Chiara Piovani
Proceedings Dokuz Eylül University International Conference on Women, Proceedings Book, pages 662-685, İzmir, Turkey, 9-11 May 2012, ISBN: 978-9754413724.

18. How does Education Gender Inequality Change over Time and after the increase in Compulsory Education in Turkey?

Bengi Yanık-İlhan, Nursel Aydıner-Avşar
Proceedings International Multidisciplinary Women's Congress Proceedings Book: Women at Threshold of 21st Century: Change and Empowerment, pages 787-798, İzmir: Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Arts and Sciences, April 2010, ISBN: 9789754412819.

19. Gender and Trade: A Literature Review

Nursel Aydıner-Avşar
Commissioned Papers Background paper for UN Women, United Nations Women, New York, NY, USA, July 2012.

20. Gender and Social Policy: A Literature Review

Chiara Piovani, Nursel Aydıner-Avşar
Commissioned Papers Background paper for UN Women, United Nations Women, New York, USA, May 2012.

1. Working Poverty in Turkey: A Dynamic Panel Approach (Submission stage)

Nursel Aydıner-Avşar, M. Burak Önemli

2. The Gendered Impact of Unemployment on Mental Health: A Micro Analysis for the US (Submission stage)

Nursel Aydıner-Avşar, Chiara Piovani

3. A Microeconometric Analysis of Unemployment in Turkey (in Turkish) (Revise & Resubmit in Ekonomik Yaklaşım Journal)

Nursel Aydıner-Avşar, M. Burak Önemli

4. The Incidence of Low Pay in Turkey: A Microeconometric Analysis for Turkey (manuscript in preparation)

Nursel Aydıner-Avşar, M. Burak Önemli

5. Allocation of Workers across the Wage Distribution in Turkey (manuscript in preparation)

M. Burak Önemli, Nursel Aydıner-Avşar

1. The Evolution of Gender Awareness in Development Policy-Making

Nursel Aydıner-Avşar
UNCTAD Gender Mainstreaming Workshop, Geneva, Switzerland, February 1-2, 2017.

2. Economic Factors and Mental Health: A Gender Analysis for the United States

Nursel Aydıner-Avşar, Chiara Piovani
2017 ASSA Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL, Jaunary 6-8, 2017.

3. Working Poverty in Turkey: A Dynamic Panel Approach

Nursel Aydıner-Avşar, M. Burak Önemli
First All-Izmir Economics Workshop, Yaşar University, Izmir, Turkey, May 14, 2016.

4. Socioeconomic Determinants of Mental Health: A Micro Analysis for the US

Nursel Aydıner-Avşar, Chiara Piovani
International Conference on Gender and Migration: Critical Issues & Policy Implications, Izmir, Turkey, May 11-13, 2016.

5. A Microeconometric Analysis of Unemployment in Turkey (in Turkish)

Nursel Aydıner-Avşar, M. Burak Önemli
16th International Conference on Econometrics, Operations Research and Statistics, Edirne, Turkey, May 7-9, 2015.

6. A Spatial Inequality Analysis of Life Satisfaction in Turkey (in Turkish)

M. Burak Önemli, Nursel Aydıner-Avşar
16th International Conference on Econometrics, Operations Research and Statistics, Edirne, Turkey, May 7-9, 2015.

7. Student Quality in the Economics Departments in Turkey (in Turkish)

Nursel Aydıner-Avşar
İktisat (Ekonomi) Öğretimi Çalıştayı, İzmir, Türkiye, 27-29 Mart 2015.

8. The Gender Impact of Social Protection Policies: A Critical Review of the Evidence

Chiara Piovani, Nursel Aydıner-Avşar
41st Annual Conference of Eastern Economic Association, New York City, USA, 26 February-1 March 2015.

9. The Determinants of Working Poverty: Micro Evidence from Turkey

Nursel Aydıner-Avşar, M. Burak Önemli
Turkish Economic Association 4th International Conference on Economics, Antalya, Turkey, October 17-20, 2014.

10. Movement Across The Wage Distribution in The Regions of Turkey

M. Burak Önemli, Nursel Aydıner-Avşar
Turkish Economic Association 4th International Conference on Economics, Antalya, Turkey, October 17-20, 2014.

11. Drivers of Innovation in an Emerging Market Context: Evidence from Turkey

Nursel Aydıner-Avşar, M. Burak Önemli
2nd Annual International Political Economy Conference, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA, March 21-22, 2013.

12. The Impact of the Economy in the Neoliberal Era on Mental Health: The Case of the United States

Chiara Piovani, Nursel Aydıner-Avşar
15th Annual AHE Conference, London, UK, July 4-6, 2013.

13. The Neoliberal Transformation of the Welfare State and the Global Crisis: A Gender Analysis

Chiara Piovani, Nursel Aydıner-Avşar
AHE-IIPPE-FAPE Joint Political Economy Conference, Paris, France, July 5-8, 2012.

14. Economic Factors and Mental Health: A Gender Analysis for the United States

Chiara Piovani, Nursel Aydıner-Avşar
21st Annual IAFFE Conference, Barcelona, Spain, June 27-29, 2012.

15. Is Trade Catalyst for Gender Wage Equality? The Case of Turkey

Nursel Aydıner-Avşar, Cihan Bilginsoy
21st Annual IAFFE Conference, Barcelona, Spain, June 27-29, 2012.

16. International Trade and Gender Wage Gap: A Distributional Analysis for Turkey

Nursel Aydıner-Avşar
19th IAFFE Annual Conference, Buenos Aires, Argentina, July 22-24, 2010.

17. Understanding the Impact of Trade Openness on Wages in Developing Countries: The Case of Turkey

Nursel Aydıner-Avşar
52nd Annual Conference of Western Social Science Association, Reno-Nevada-USA, April 14-17, 2010.

18. Is Labor Market Flexibility Good for Employment? The Case of Turkey

Nursel Aydıner-Avşar, Özlem Onaran
6th Annual AHE Confernce, Leeds-UK, July 16-18, 2004.
8th International Post-Keynesian Conference, Kansas City, MI, USA, June 26-29, 2004.

19. Educational Inequality in the Turkish Urban Labor Force: Gender-based Notes

Bengi Yanık-İlhan, Nursel Aydıner-Avşar
1st International Conference on Women's Studies: Women's Studies in the Millennium, Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, North Cyprus, April 29-30, 2004.

  • 2002 2017

    Undergraduate Courses:

    Economic Growth and Development II: Spring 2015, Spring 2016
    The World Economy: Fall 2015
    International Economics II (Finance): Spring 2014
    International Economics: Theory and Policy I (Trade): Fall 2011, Fall 2012, Fall 2014, Fall 2015
    International Economics: Theory and Policy II (Finance): Spring 2012, Spring 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2016
    Introduction to Economics I (Micro): Fall 2011, Fall 2012
    Introduction to Economics II (Macro): Spring, 2011, Spring 2012
    Monetary Theory and Policy (in Turkish): Fall 2012
    English for Economists: Fall 2012
    Intermediate Microeconomics: Fall 2006, Spring 2007
    Intermediate Macroeconomics: Fall 2007, Spring 2008, Summer 2009
    Principles of Microeconomics: Summer 2007
    Current Economic Problems: Summer 2008, Fall 2008, Spring 2009, Fall 2009, Spring 2010, Fall 2010

    Graduate Course:

    Poverty and Human Development (in Turkish) Spring 2012, Spring 2013, Fall 2014, Spring 2016

    Thesis Supervisor

    Yasemin İlgi Gül, "Economic Growth - Unemployment Relationship in the Era of Globalization: Comparison of Turkey with European Union Countries" (in Turkish), 2015.

    Vicdan Özcan, "The Relationship between Vocational and Technical Education and Employment in Turkey" (in Turkish), 2014.

    Committee Member

    Armağan Orki, "Neoliberalism and Cultural Interaction: Hospitality Sector of Turkey" (in Turkish), 2014.