Full Citation

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

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2020

ISBN:

ISSN: 1361-4916

DOI: 10.1093/ereh/hez020

NSFID:

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PMID:

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.

Url: https://academic.oup.com/ereh/advance-article/doi/10.1093/ereh/hez020/5743495

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Authors: Boter, Corinne; Woltjer, Pieter

Periodical (Full): European Review of Economic History

Issue: 4

Volume: 24

Pages: 783-817

Data Collections: IPUMS USA

Topics: Gender, Labor Force and Occupational Structure

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