Die Erwerbsbeteiligung von Frauen in der Schweiz: Ein dynamisches Probit-Modell für die Jahre 1991-1995

Using the Swiss Labour Force Survey panel data I estimate a dynamic probit model of female labour market participation. The model is estimated with several specifications of the covariance matrix of the error terms. In the more complicated cases the method of Simulated Maximum Likelihood is used. Estimation results indicate strong persistence in the labour market behaviour due to state dependence. Short spells of non-employment lead to smaller employment probabilities in subsequent periods compared to the case of continuous employment. Individual characteristics as marital status, family composition and education have a significant influence on the participation probability. The local unemployment rate is also of importance.