Working Paper: CEPR ID: DP1775
Authors: Alison L. Booth; Stephen P. Jenkins; Carlos Garcia Serrano
Abstract: The paper uses BHPS waves 1?5 (1991?5) to compare paid work participation rates of men and women. Year-on-year persistence in paid work propensities is high, but greater for men than women. Non-work persistence is higher for women. Using panel data probit regression models, the paper also investigates why men?s and women?s participation rates differ, comparing the roles of differences in observable characteristics and differences in rates of return to these characteristics, while also controlling for unobserved heterogeneity. Most of the difference in participation rates is accounted for by the differences in returns associated with the presence of children, especially young ones.
Keywords: work; employment; labour supply; panel data
JEL Codes: J6; J21; J22
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| year-on-year persistence in paid work propensities (J29) | likelihood of men remaining in paid work over time (J29) |
| differences in returns associated with the presence of children (J13) | difference in participation rates between men and women (J79) |
| higher educational qualifications (I23) | probability of being in work for both genders (J21) |
| local unemployment rates (J69) | paid work probabilities for both sexes (J79) |
| past work status (J63) | current work status (J29) |