Abstract
The empirical findings for the labour force participation elasticity with regards to
child prices are varied. While some estimates imply substantial participation gains
from child care subsidies, others find insignificant effects from child care prices on
participation decisions. This paper analyzes the elasticity sizes using estimates from
37 peer-reviewed articles and working papers in the literature. Using meta-analysis
tools, we attempt to provide a weighted elasticity estimate and variation between
countries and over time. The results suggest that the elasticity size has a positive
inverse U-shaped relationship with aggregate labour force participation, and
decreases with higher rates of part-time work and social spending. The findings
imply that the impact of changes in child care prices and success of child care
subsidy policies are correlated with aggregate level factors.
child prices are varied. While some estimates imply substantial participation gains
from child care subsidies, others find insignificant effects from child care prices on
participation decisions. This paper analyzes the elasticity sizes using estimates from
37 peer-reviewed articles and working papers in the literature. Using meta-analysis
tools, we attempt to provide a weighted elasticity estimate and variation between
countries and over time. The results suggest that the elasticity size has a positive
inverse U-shaped relationship with aggregate labour force participation, and
decreases with higher rates of part-time work and social spending. The findings
imply that the impact of changes in child care prices and success of child care
subsidy policies are correlated with aggregate level factors.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Place of Publication | Utrecht |
| Publisher | UU USE Tjalling C. Koopmans Research Institute |
| Number of pages | 27 |
| Publication status | Published - 2011 |
Publication series
| Name | Discussion Paper Series / Tjalling C. Koopmans Research Institute |
|---|---|
| No. | 08 |
| Volume | 11 |
| ISSN (Electronic) | 2666-8238 |
Keywords
- Child care
- female labour force particiaption and meta-analysis
