Determinants of Female Labor Force Participation in Pakistan An Empirical Analysis of PSLM (2004-05) Micro Data

Abstract

This paper seeks to identify the major determinants of female labor force participation in Pakistan, specifically with reference to rural and urban areas. Limited dependent variable techniques (Logit and Probit) are utilized to determine the factors affecting female labor force participation. This analysis uses data taken from the PSLM (Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement Survey, 2004-05) which measure individual and household characteristics of females between the ages of 15-49. Empirical results suggest that age, educational attainment and marital status have significant and positive effects on female labor force participation (FLFP). When women belong to the nuclear family and have access to vehicles, they are more likely are they to participate in economic activities, whereas a large number of children and the availability of home appliances reduces the probability of FLFP. The results imply that reducing the child care burden on females and facilitating educational attainment would lead to a higher labor force participation rate for females in Pakistan.