Work

HIV Status and Labor Market Participation in South Africa

Year: 2011

Type: article

Abstract: We use econometric methods based on the propensity score to estimate the causal effect of HIV status on employment outcomes in South Africa. Relying on rich data from a national survey, which included HIV testing, we control for systematic differences between HIV-positive and HIV-negative individuals. We provide the first nationally representative estimates of the impact of HIV status on employment outcomes for southern Africa. Being HIV positive is associated with an increase of 6 to 7 percentage points in the likelihood of unemployment overall and 10 to 11 percentage points for those who are less educated. This disadvantage reinforces existing inequalities in South Africa.

Source: The Review of Economics and Statistics

DOI: 10.1162/rest_a_00237

Authors: James Levinsohn, Zoë M. McLaren, Olive Shisana, Khangelani Zuma

Institutions: National Bureau of Economic Research, Yale University, University of Michigan, Human Sciences Research Council

Language: English

Topic: HIV/AIDS Impact and Responses

Subfield: Economics and Econometrics

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Reduced inequalities, No poverty, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

OpenAlex ID: W2102313085