GENDER DIFFERENCES IN EXIT RATES FROM UNEMPLOYMENT: EVIDENCE FROM A LOCAL FINNISH LABOUR MARKET *

Abstract

Exit rates from unemployment are analysed by distinguishing two destinations: employment and non-participation. Unlike most of the earlier empirical Finnish studies of transitions from unemployment, we allow for different behaviour of males and females. A database constructed from three register data files of the Employment Service of Vasa in 1996 is used. Results of the estimated duration models suggest that gender differences are foremost due to the closer attachment of men to the labour market, the family responsibilities affecting women, and the traditional gender structure of the Finnish labour market. Our results show that drawing conclusions when gender differences are not considered can lead to misperceptions. (JEL: J64, J70, C41)