SOURCES OF GROWTH OF FEMALE EMPLOYMENT IN GREECE 1971–1981: A SHIFT SHARE ANALYSIS

Abstract

Introduction Despite large increases in the employment of women in most Western European countries, women's employment in Greece grew at a relatively low rate during the period 1971–1981. During that period, the overall increase in women's employment in the country was 4.7 per cent compared with nine per cent for men. The picture looks grimmer when absolute numbers are considered. During the above period, women's employment increased by only 40,500 positions against an increase of 205,000 for men. In view of the relatively low economic activity rates of women in Greece, the favourable changes in their attitudes towards work outside home and women's large employment gains in other countries, it is important to analyse the reasons for the deterioration of Greek women's relative position as far as their employment is concerned.