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Employment Choices and Wage Differentials: Evidence on Labor Force Data Sets from Pakistan

Author

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  • Ahmed Nawaz Hakro

    (Middle East College)

  • Yaseen Ghulam

    (University of Portsmouth)

  • Shabbar Jaffry

    (University of Portsmouth)

  • Vyoma Shah

    (Wolseley, Royal Leamington Spa)

Abstract

Labor market theories confirm the existence of wage differentials in various sectors. This study investigates the employment choices and wage differentials in established econometric models on the large cross-sectional labor market survey data sets from Pakistan. The results across wage distribution suggest that the wage gap does exist in public–private wage differentials, and it varies across levels of education, occupation and regions. The study concludes that an individual with a high level of education is more likely to choose the public sector. The wage gap between public–private sectors becomes narrow at the high end of the distribution but is still significant. The wage differential varies across levels of education, occupations and regions. Higher levels of education and low-skilled occupations are relatively better paid in both sectors, while lower levels of education have much better opportunities in the public sector. The results highlight the various employment choices and characteristics for policy makers in addressing wage differentials.

Suggested Citation

  • Ahmed Nawaz Hakro & Yaseen Ghulam & Shabbar Jaffry & Vyoma Shah, 2021. "Employment Choices and Wage Differentials: Evidence on Labor Force Data Sets from Pakistan," The Indian Journal of Labour Economics, Springer;The Indian Society of Labour Economics (ISLE), vol. 64(1), pages 199-216, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ijlaec:v:64:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1007_s41027-021-00306-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s41027-021-00306-0
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    Cited by:

    1. Noor Jehan, 2024. "What Matters for Second Job Pay in Higher Education in Northern Pakistan?," The Indian Journal of Labour Economics, Springer;The Indian Society of Labour Economics (ISLE), vol. 67(3), pages 783-800, September.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Wage differentials; Employment choice; Public and private sector; Pakistan;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models
    • C34 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Truncated and Censored Models; Switching Regression Models
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials

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