Static Model of Labour Force Participation: Survey of Married Women in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The study sought to ascertain and measure the determinants of labour force participation of married women in Zimbabwe. The focus was on the activeness of married women in paid, permanent work. The study utilized and collected data from a sample of 514 married women from varying socio-economic backgrounds. A binomial logit model was implemented as the regression model to test the probability of labour market participation by the target group. The results showed that age, education attainment, work experience, geographical location, religious denomination and the amount of non-labour income earned were significant determinants of the decision to work by married women. It was noted conclusively that none of the factors above influenced LFP strongly enough to warrant the low levels of formally and permanently employed married women. It was suggested that economy-wide policies to improve general employment levels be implemented.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n23p406