Gender Differences in Self-employment of Older Workers in the United States and New Zealand

Authors

Angela L. Curl, University of Missouri
Deanna L. Sharpe, University of Missouri
Jack Noone, University of Sydney

Keywords

Self-employment, cross-national, older workers, New Zealand, gender differences

Abstract

This study examined differences in self-employment of workers age 50+ in the United States (N = 3,948) and New Zealand (N = 1,434). Separate logistic regression analyses were conducted by country and gender. For both U.S. men and women, lower income, higher wealth, and having an employed spouse increased the likelihood of self-employment. Older age, lower income, higher wealth, and household composition increased the odds of being self-employed for men in New Zealand. Women in New Zealand were more likely to be self-employed if they were in a blue-collar occupation, had higher household wealth, higher education, and did not receive pension income. Self employment can enable older adults to remain in the labor force longer, thereby fostering continued productivity and engagement.

Recommended Citation

Curl, Angela L.; Sharpe, Deanna L.; and Noone, Jack (2014) "Gender Differences in Self-employment of Older Workers in the United States and New Zealand," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 41: Iss. 1, Article 3.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.3832
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol41/iss1/3