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Prevalence of Long Work Hours by Spouse’s Degree Field and the Labor Market Outcomes of Skilled Women

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  • Terra McKinnish

Abstract

Using 2009 to 2015 American Community Survey (ACS) data, this article estimates the effect of the prevalence of long hours and short hours of work in a husband’s field of work, as defined by his undergraduate degree field, on the labor market outcomes of skilled married women. When individuals work in fields that require longer hours of work, their spouses experience spillover effects. The labor market outcomes of female spouses are more negatively affected than are those of male spouses. Specifically, female spouses face lower total earnings, hourly wages, employment options, and hours of work for married women with children relative to married men with children or married women without children. Little evidence supports the idea that the rate of short hours of work in a spouse’s degree field differentially affects married women with children.

Suggested Citation

  • Terra McKinnish, 2021. "Prevalence of Long Work Hours by Spouse’s Degree Field and the Labor Market Outcomes of Skilled Women," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 74(4), pages 898-919, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ilrrev:v:74:y:2021:i:4:p:898-919
    DOI: 10.1177/0019793920901703
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Ping Li & Xinmin Chen, 2025. "Gender dynamics in dual-earner couples: Spousal occupational status and working hours," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 46(4), pages 1060-1100, November.

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