NCJ Number
115451
Journal
Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior Volume: 18 Issue: 3 Dated: (Fall 1988) Pages: 270-278
Date Published
1988
Length
9 pages
Annotation
Data from the 48 continental States of the United States in 1980 formed the basis of an analysis of the relationship between the participation of married women in the labor force and the rates of suicide and homicide.
Abstract
The analysis included both full-time employment of 35 hours per week or more and part-time employment of 34 hours or less per week. Results showed a connection between the participation of married women in the labor force and homicide rates. Homicide rates were higher in States where a greater percentage of married women worked full time. In contrast, suicide rates were more strongly related to indicators of social integration, such as interstate migration and divorce rates. Possible explanations for these results include the relationship between cultural attitudes and the percentage of married women working part-time, increased stress levels when married women work, and financial problems underlying the decision to work. However, employment may also have positive value for married women, improving self-esteem and a sense of personal control. Time-series and ecological studies may produce different results. Tables and 15 references. (Author abstract modified)