Three Essays in Development Economics

This thesis consists of three studies examining how targeted programs can change attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours in societies marked by ethnic divisions and gender inequality. Using randomised controlled trials, it finds that documentary film screenings substantially reduce prejudice and improve compassion and cooperation between ethnic groups in Sri Lanka. A three-day workplace training program in Bangladesh improves gender attitudes and creates more women-friendly environments across small and medium firms. The same training also shifts workers' and firm owners' beliefs about gender roles, with the strongest effects among men. These findings offer practical guidance for designing cost-effective policies to build fairer labour markets and more productive firms.