Bailey Palmer

Professor Palmer’s research lies at the intersection of labor and development economics, with a regional focus on the Middle East. Her work examines the barriers and institutions that shape labor market opportunities, particularly for women, youth, and refugees. She uses a range of experimental, quasi-experimental, and structural methods, often drawing on original survey and administrative data.

One strand of her research studies barriers to employment and economic mobility for women and young people. For example, her work has examined firms’ provision of job amenities, women’s labor supply, and the long-run labor market and family formation consequences of entering the workforce during economic downturns.

A second strand of her research focuses on forced displacement and the economic integration of refugees. For example, her work has examined how housing and livelihood programs affect refugees’ economic well-being and relationships with host communities, as well as the decisions refugees make about whether to remain displaced or return home.

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