The large decline in the relative value of the minimum wage during the 1980s makes that period a valuable one for identifying the impact of variation in the minimum wage on youth employment. This study produces the robust finding that, when the experience of the 1980s is included, a 10 percent increase in the minimum wage is estimated to reduce teen employment by less than 1 percent-the lower end of the range of previous estimates. Because this small employment effect is offset by a labor force withdrawal effect, the study finds no discernible effect on measured unemployment. The study also finds no apparent effect of the minimum wage on the employment of young adults aged 20-24.
The Journal of Human Resources examines labor, health, education, welfare, and retirement issues. Focused on policy implications, JHR is intended for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners. The journal includes rigorous and policy-relevant articles along with a communication section that provides up-to-the-minute, short, professional dialogue.
The University of Wisconsin Press, a division of the UW-Madison Graduate School, has published more than 3000 titles, and currently has more than 1500 scholarly, regional, and general interest books in print. The Press publishes ten peer-reviewed academic and professional journals in the humanities, social sciences, and medicine. See the Journals Division Web site for more information.
This item is part of a JSTOR Collection.
For terms and use, please refer to our
The Journal of Human Resources
© 1991 Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System