AN INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDY OF LABOR SUPPLY EFFECTS AMONG HOUSING ASSISTED HOUSEHOLDERS

Abstract

Householders with housing assistance face dire poverty and limited economic choices and opportunities. This research draws from sources across disciplines to gain an understanding of what factors affect labor supply (employment and wage amounts) among housing assisted householders. Sources consulted included: labor economics theory; sociological theories; a systematic review of relevant literature; and empirical testing. Straightforward testing of variables from a novel, national data set, the American Housing Survey, yielded the following results. Non-wage income from public assistance and Supplemental Security Income was negatively associated with labor supply. Rent payments were also negatively associated with labor supply. Human capital in the form of educational attainment had a positive association with labor supply. Race and ethnicity had inconsistent associations with labor supply. The presence of young children was negatively associated with labor supply, but the presence of older children in the household was positively associated with labor supply. Finally, metro locations for households were negatively associated with labor supply.