HOW DOES DISABILITY STATUS CHANGE TIME ALLOCATION? EVIDENCE FROM TURKEY

Abstract

Disability status is one of the certain elements of labor market condition and economic wellbeing. Likewise, disability also affects time devoted to market and nonmarket activities, since individuals without disabilities will be more productive in market activities and better at carrying household duties. In this respect, this study examines time allocation decisions of disabled and nondisabled individuals in Turkey. Purpose: Main aim of the study is to investigate how individuals with disabilities allocate their time to market work, nonmarket work, leisure, childcare and other work as compared to their nondisabled counterparts. Method: This study uses data from Turkish Statistical Institute (TURKSTAT) Time Use Survey 2014. Main focus group is non-student, non-retired individuals who are aged between 25 and 64. Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) is used as the estimation methodology. Findings: Descriptive evidence show that males spend more time to market work and leisure, whereas females spend more time to nonmarket work, childcare and other work on average. Significant differences between disabled and nondisabled individuals are observed in time devoted to market work and nonmarket work both for males and females. Additionally, Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) results show significant and negative association between disability status and time devoted to market work, and significant and positive association between disability and time allocated to nonmarket work and leisure for both genders. Age and education level also are important correlating factors. Originality: This is the first study in Turkey that investigates patterns of time allocation variation by gender and disability status.