SHIFTS OVER TIME AND REGIONAL VARIATION IN WOMENS LABOR-FORCE PARTICIPATION RATES IN A DEVELOPING-ECONOMY - THE CASE OF GREECE

In this study an attempt is made (a) to explain the decline and the inter-area variation in women's activity rates in Greece during the process of its economic development, (b) to ascertain if there were any shifts in the relevant relationships over time and (c) to estimate women's hidden unemployment. The decline in activity rates was explained with the help of the hypothesis of a U-shaped impact of economic development on them. Among the most important findings were the considerable discouraging effect on labor force participation of unemployment and the negative impact of education. Women's hidden unemployment was found to be two to three times larger than reported unemployment. © 1990.