A literature review explored the differences between the high school diploma and GED (General Educational Development) credentials and the value of receiving one in comparison to the other. The study found that GED recipients and high school seniors who take the five tests constituting the GED score similarly, but that test achievement does not…

This report provides a description and some analysis of noninstitutionalized disabled persons aged 20 to 64. Emphasis is on labor force behavior, including amounts of work, occupational distribution, and wage rates. Defines disability and discusses characteristics of the disabled, wage rates, and disability and deprivation. (CT)

Data from the National Longitudinal Survey and the Panel Study of Income Dynamics show that men and women born during the upswing of a demographic cycle obtain more schooling and take longer to finish a year of schooling than do those born during a downswing. (Author/SK)

The earnings gap between more and less educated workers widened during the 1980s. Changes in occupational demand accounted for roughly one-third of the increase. (Author)

Estimates of wage and nonfarm self-employment earnings in the Ivory Coast show that rates of return to education are high for both sexes, but men's wages exceed women's by a substantial margin for all but the most educated. (Author/SK)

Because the Current Population Survey changed its educational attainment questions in 1992, this paper presents a method for adjusting earnings at different educational levels to make pre- and post-1992 data comparable. The adjustments reduce the estimated growth in college/high school earnings ratios between 1989 and 1993. (Author/SK)

Labor economists consider expected earnings and expected returns to education as a major determinant of educational attainment. A study is conducted on the determinants of wage expectations and expected employment probabilities, the variability of these expectations and their variation across countries and universities.

This study examines the changes in the school-to-work transition of young adults in the United States over the latter part of the twentieth century. Their transition is portrayed using data from National Longitudinal Surveys of Young Women, Young Men, and Youth 1979. In general, we find that indicators of educational attainment, working while in…

The Latino workforce is increasingly critical to the vitality of the U.S. economy. Despite the importance of Latinos in the labor market, their economic contributions are limited by significant disadvantages. This research report provides an overview of Latino workers in the United States at mid-decade. We provide background information on labor…

"Education at a Glance: OECD Indicators" is the authoritative source for accurate information on the state of education around the world. It provides data on the output of educational institutions; the impact of learning across countries; the financial and human resources invested in education; access, participation and progression in…

The potential effects of raising the minimum wage on the earnings of mothers moving from welfare to work were examined by analyzing the differences that existed in the late 1980s in the various states' minimum wage rates and data from three waves of the Survey of Income and Program Participation for the years 1985-1990 (during which time 13 states…

The JOBSTART demonstration program provided education and vocational training, support services, and job placement assistance to educationally disadvantaged dropouts aged 17-21 at 13 sites. An evaluation assessed whether helping disadvantaged dropouts increase their educational attainment led to increased earnings. A total of 2,312 people were…

Although union membership has been declining overall, the number of women union members continues to increase. Currently, 37 percent of union membership are women. The proportion of women workers who are union members increased from 16.3 percent in 1965 to 19.3 percent in 1975 and fell to 14 percent in 1990; 7.4 million women were represented by…

Analysis of educational levels and earnings associated with specific occupations supported seemingly conflicting explanations of inequality: (1) the job competition theory that education has no effect on equalization of earnings; and (2) the free market theory suggesting an effect of educational level on earnings and of unequal education on…

According to data from 1987 Survey of Veterans, veterans' benefits increase schooling by 1.4 years, corresponding to annual earnings 6% higher than without benefits. The effect accrues primarily to the 77% of benefit recipients who attend higher education. (SK)