Work

When Work Disappears: Manufacturing Decline and the Falling Marriage Market Value of Young Men

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: We exploit the gender-specific components of large-scale labor demand shocks stemming from rising international manufacturing competition to test how shifts in the relative economic stature of young men versus young women affected marriage, fertility, and children’s living circumstances during 1990–2014. On average, trade shocks differentially reduce employment and earnings of young adult males. Consistent with Becker’s model of household specialization, shocks to males’ relative earnings reduce marriage and fertility. Consistent with prominent sociological accounts, these shocks heighten male idleness and premature mortality, and raise the share of mothers who are unwed and the share of children living in below-poverty, single-headed households. (JEL F16, J12, J13, J16, J23, J31, L60)

Source: American Economic Review Insights

DOI: 10.1257/aeri.20180010

Authors: David Autor, David Dorn, Gordon Hanson

Institutions: National Bureau of Economic Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Zurich, University of California San Diego

Language: English

Topic: Family Dynamics and Relationships

Subfield: Demography

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Gender equality, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: bronze