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Race-Ethnic and Gender Differences in Nonstandard Work Shifts

University of Maryland

This article, based on the May 1997 Current Population Survey, presents a detailed analysis of the extent to which employed American men and women of various race-ethnic groups work non-standard work hours—namely, evenings, nights, and rotating or highly variable work shifts— and the reasons they report for doing so. Differences in occupational structure among race-ethnic groups largely explain their differences in the prevalence of nonstandard work shifts. Yet even when standardizing for occupation, both male and female non-Hispanic Blacks have higher levels working nonstandard shifts than their Hispanic or White counterparts. Moreover, the relatively low pay of such jobs and the large proportions of those working nonstandard hours who give job-constraining reasons for doing so support the contention that late and rotating work schedules are an important dimension of labor force disadvantage, especially among men. Furthermore, the literature indicates greater health risks and social costs for working such hours. Differences in weekend employment by race-ethnicity are small. Based on job growth projections, it is speculated that over the next decade, nonstandard work schedules will disproportionately involve more women, non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanics.

Key Words: work shifts • occupations • race • ethnicity • gender

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