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The High Cost Of Specialization: Labor Market Outcomes Following Divorce

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  • Malcolm, Michael
  • Abdurrahman, Zainab

Abstract

This article studies labor market transitions following divorce. Using US data, we show that absence from the labor force during marriage is associated with a lower probability of employment following divorce. For women, the effect is large initially – a 14.5% decline in probability of finding a job after divorce for each year out of the labor force during marriage. The effect dissipates over time, but there is long-run persistence. For men, the effect of comparable absences from the labor force is smaller and transitory. The presence of children also lowers labor market participation of women following divorce.

Suggested Citation

  • Malcolm, Michael & Abdurrahman, Zainab, 2014. "The High Cost Of Specialization: Labor Market Outcomes Following Divorce," Review of Applied Economics, Lincoln University, Department of Financial and Business Systems, vol. 10(1-2), January.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:reapec:264604
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.264604
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Trisha Chanda, 2023. "Economic Wellbeing and Labor Supply Patterns of Subsequently Divorcing Mothers in Wisconsin," Journal of Family and Economic Issues, Springer, vol. 44(4), pages 821-835, December.
    2. Gert Thielemans & Dimitri Mortelmans, 2019. "Female Labour Force Participation After Divorce: How Employment Histories Matter," Journal of Family and Economic Issues, Springer, vol. 40(2), pages 180-193, June.

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