Labor Market Participation and Earnings by Female Members of the Baby Boom Generation

Abstract

A two-step model was employed using data from the 1986 Survey of Consumer Finances to determine the socioeconomic factors predicting female baby boomer labor force participation and for those who are employed, how the socioeconomic factors influence earned income. Logistic regression indicated that children and other income within the household both negatively affect market participation by female members of the baby boom generation. Divorce and education were positively correlated with female baby boomer employment. For female baby boomers who were employed, additional income and children reduced earnings in a multiple regression analysis. A prior divorce and education were positively correlated with female baby boomer earnings. Findings indicated that the influential factors on labor force participation and consequent earnings are not only identical but are also consistent with those for prior generations of women.