Using a model with human capital, socioeconomic, and labor market variables, a study found men's wages exceeded women's for all age cohorts. Investment in human capital and work history patterns influence wages, but do not explain the differential. A large percentage of the difference is explained by such labor market factors as occupational…

Since 1973, the real weekly wage position of employed young adults (under age 25) has deteriorated considerably, particularly among young men. A comprehensive and systematic strategy is needed to improve labor market outcomes for young adults as they move from high school into the labor market. (JOW)

Panel analyses of 1970 and 1980 census data from the 124 largest metropolitan areas support the "deindustrialization thesis" in that service sector growth is economically detrimental to both sexes. However, men's earnings deteriorate at a faster rate than women's earnings, reducing the gender earnings gap. Contains 60 references.…

As they work to master the supply-and-demand model, high school economics students spend considerable time studying competitive markets for such goods as wheat, apples, and corn. They usually spend less time studying markets for labor. That is a shame, because high school students have a vital interest in understanding why some jobs pay more than…

Labor market attachment differs significantly across young black, Mexican, and white men. Although it has long been agreed that potential experience is a poor proxy for actual experience for women, many view it as an acceptable approximation for men. Using the NLSY, this paper documents the substantial difference between potential and actual…

Displaced workers experience significant and long-lasting wage losses. However, the average wage losses hide the tremendous differences among workers. So far, the differences are explained by differences in accumulated on-the-job experience, education level, age, and so on, but a large variation among similar workers remain. In this paper we…

The paper assesses the effects of offering upper-secondary students the opportunity to pursue vocational education in high school on completion rates and subsequent earnings. Analysis of international cross-section data found that nations enrolling a large proportion of upper-secondary students in vocational programs have significantly higher…

This paper is a draft of Chapter 8 of a planned book, "Preschool and Jobs: Human Development as Economic Development, and Vice Versa". This book analyzes early childhood programs' effects on regional economic development. Four early childhood programs are considered: (1) universally accessible preschool for four-year-olds of similar…

Findings from an evaluation of a workplace literacy program funded by the State of Indiana are presented. Working with employers, providers were given considerable latitude to design their own training regimens. The state awarded certificates to workers who achieved certain levels of proficiency in reading, math, critical thinking, problem solving…

This paper analyzes three models of labor demand solving for the change in wages of a given labor group due to a change in the size of a birth cohort. When the production function includes age-schooling groups as separate factors, an increase in the size of one birth cohort changes the size of several labor market groups. (Author/CT)

A study shows that reemployment success--as measured by earnings of workers in a 1-year period following a spell of unemployment--was positively related to higher weekly unemployment insurance payments and longer periods of unemployment compensation. (Editor/HD)

Large increases in educational attainment have resulted in dramatic shifts in the composition of educational groups. Utilizing 1960-90 Decennial Census and other data, this paper uses educational ranks (cohort-specific relative rankings in educational attainment) as a control for changes in the composition of educational groups. This approach…

Analyzes the likely determinants of a trade union's policy regarding race and estimates the effect of the presence of unionism on the average wage of black workers relative to that of white workers under various types of union organizational structure. (RJ)