Impact of the elderly in the household on the labor supply decision of the spouse
Date
2014-04-04
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The concept of an extended family is not uncommon in Filipino culture. Grandparents live with their children and grandchildren, and this living arrangement is an interesting one. These elderly
in residence are likely to be retired, but may still find engagement in household work. This paper aims to sift through whether the elderly are contributors to household productivity, up to what
extent are they productive, and if their presence in the household has a significant effect on the labor supply decision of the spouse. The study employs a logistic regression method with
explanatory variables, after which the marginal effects of the presence of elderly shall be highlighted. Mere presence of the elderly has a negative impact on the probability of the spouse
working. The researchers then selected employment status of the senior citizen, health status of the senior citizen, and presence of children aged 7 and below as key factors thought to have
considerable impact on the labor decision of the spouse. Employed senior citizens induce the spouse to work. However, when the senior citizen is ill, the spouse is less likely to engage in
market work. Presence of the children aged 7 and below also has a negative impact on the labor supply decision of the spouse. The researchers found out that the spousal labor supply decision is
hinged upon many variables, and not limited to the key factors initially identified.
Description
Keywords
Elderly, Labor supply decision, Spouse employment