Achievement

Trainees Candace Hamilton and Chris Meyer conducted an analysis of changes in the gender employment disparity in the United States over the approximately 60 year period from 1950 through 2008. The paper analyzes census data and documents the stylized facts that (1) gender employment differentials have narrowed considerably, although men are still more likely to work than women, and (2) among African-Americans the gender disparity in employment has actually turned negative (women are more likely to be employed then men). The authors explore the factors driving these trends that are specific men and women of different races and assess whether the weaker labor force attachment of men (black men in particular) are influencing the educational and fertility choices of women. The paper was presented at a conference at the Law School at the University of Chicago.