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The Roots of Low European Employment: Family Culture?

In: NBER International Seminar on Macroeconomics 2005

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  • Yann Algan
  • Pierre Cahuc

Abstract

First we provide a simple labor supply model in which heterogeneity in family preferences can account for cross-country variations in both the level and the dynamics of employment rates of demographic groups. Second, we provide evidence based on international individual surveys that family attitudes do differ across countries and are largely shaped by national features. We also document that cross-country differences in family culture cause cross- national differences in family attitudes. Studying the correlation between employment rates and family attitudes, we then show that the stronger preferences for family activities in European countries may explain both their lower female employment rate and the fall in the employment rates of young and older people.

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This chapter was published in:

  • Jeffrey A. Frankel & Christopher Pissarides, 2007. "NBER International Seminar on Macroeconomics 2005," NBER Books, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc, number fran07-1, October.
    This item is provided by National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc in its series NBER Chapters with number 0342.

    Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberch:0342

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