A Life-Course Perspective on Ethnic Differences in Women's Economic Activity in Britain

This article examines the relationship between family formation, qualifications, & employment for women from white & minority ethnic groups using a life-course approach. Cross-sectional data from the British Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for 1992-2003 were used to estimate the relationships. There are major differences between ethnic groups in the likelihood of being economically active, after controlling for life course & level of qualifications. These are greatest for Pakistani & Bangladeshi women & least for Black Caribbean women. However, predicted probabilities of being economically active are very similar -- over 90 per cent -- for all young women (aged 19-34) with a degree-level qualification who have neither partner nor child. For all women, rates of economic activity are lower with young children but again vary between ethnic groups. Employment patterns for Black Caribbean women are consistent with economic migration & norms of motherhood that encompass roles of both breadwinner & parent. In contrast, Pakistani & Bangladeshi women's patterns of economic activity reflect a strongly gendered division of labour where motherhood is associated with full-time care for children. Tables, References. Adapted from the source document.