Gender-specific differences in labor market adjustment patterns: Evidence from the United States

Do men and women behave differently while adjusting labor supply over the business cycle? Using data from the United States, we show that women are significantly more likely to adjust along the intensive margin (number of hours), while men adjust more along the extensive margin (employment). Older, single, and divorced/widowed adjust predominantly along the extensive margin.

► We analyze differences in cyclical adjustment patterns of labor supply for men and women. ► Women more likely than men adjust along the intensive margin (hours). ► Older, single, and divorced adjust more often along the extensive margin (employment). ► The impact on tax and labor market reforms is stressed.