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The impact of sectoral shifts on Dutch unmarried women’s labor force participation, 1812–1929

Year: 2020

Type: article

Abstract: During the nineteenth century, Dutch female labor force participation (FLFP) was relatively low. Most scholars argue that social norms and rising wages were driving this development. However, their conclusions principally apply to married women. We study unmarried women’s LFP (UFLFP) and investigate a third driver: shifting sectoral employment shares. We include all three drivers in a logistic regression based on nearly 2 million marriage records from 1812 to 1929. We conclude that social norms and income levels mattered, but that shifting sectoral employment shares were driving the decline in UFLFP because sectors with low demand for female laborers expanded.

Source: European Review of Economic History

DOI: 10.1093/ereh/hez020

Authors: Corinne Boter, Pieter Woltjer

Institutions: University of Groningen, Utrecht University

Language: English

Topic: Gender, Labor, and Family Dynamics

Subfield: Gender Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

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

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,468