Employment Hardship Among Mexican-Origin Women

Abstract

This study compares the prevalence and causes of employment hardship between Mexicanorigin and White women. Data come from the March 1992, 1996, and 2000 Current Population Surveys. Using logistic regression, the author assesses whether there is a difference between Mexican-origin and White women in employment hardship, controlling for personal and structural factors. Then, the analysis is conducted separately for these two groups of women to evaluate whether particular correlates of employment hardship affect them differently. The findings show that there were more than twice as many Mexicanorigin women than White women who experienced employment hardship. Net of relevant factors, employment hardship among Mexican women was greater than among comparable White women. Separate analysis revealed that Mexican-origin women who were young, poorly educated, recent immigrants, and employed in low-skilled occupations and the services industry were vulnerable to employment hardship.