Abstract
Using recent NLS data on preferences for union representation, this paper examines whether differences by sex exist in the potential for union organizing outside of traditionally unionized industries. The methodology distinguishes between workers’ preferences for union representation and the relative supply of union jobs in explaining interindustry differences in the extent of unionization. Within the private sector, women employed in industries other than those traditionally unionized are found to have at least as strong a preference for unionization as do comparable men but a considerably lower opportunity for unionized employment given the desire for union representation. Comparing the public sector with traditionally organized industries, the greater extent of unionization in the public sector is largely explained by a stronger desire for union representation on the part of both male and female public sector employees.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Antos, Joseph R., Mark Chandler, and Wesley Mellow. “Sex Differences in Union Membership.”Industrial and Labor Relations Review 33 (January 1980): 162–69.
Ashenfelter, Orley and John H. Pencavel. “American Trade Union Growth: 1900–1960.”Quarterly Journal of Economics 83 (August 1969): 434–48.
Ehrenberg, Ronald G. and Robert S. Smith.Modern Labor Economics. 2d ed. Glenview, IL: Scott, Foresman and Co., 1985.
Farber, Henry S. “The Determination of the Union Status of Workers.”Econometrica 51 (September 1983): 1417–37.
___. “Right-to-Work Laws and the Extent of Unionization.”Journal of Labor Economics 2 (July 1984): 319–52.
___. “The Extent of Unionization in the United States.” InChallenges and Choices Facing American Labor, ed. Thomas A. Kochan. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 1985, pp. 15–43.
Freeman, Richard B. “Unionism Comes to the Public Sector.”Journal of Economic Literature 24 (March 1986): 41–86.
___ and James L. Medoff.What Do Unions Do? New York: Basic Books, 1984.
Hills, Stephen M. “The Attitudes of Union and Nonunion Male Workers Toward Union Representation.”Industrial and Labor Relations Review 38 (January 1985): 179–94.
Hirsch, Barry T. and Mark C. Berger. “Union Membership Determination and Industry Characteristics.”Southern Economic Journal 50 (January 1984): 665–79.
Leigh, Duane E. “The Determinants of Workers’ Union Status: Evidence from the National Longitudinal Surveys.”Journal of Human Resources 20 (Fall 1985): 555–66.
Saltzman, Gregory M. “Bargaining Laws as a Cause and Consequence of the Growth of Teacher Unionism.”Industrial and Labor Relations Review 38 (April 1985): 335–51.
Trost, Cathy. “Dynamic Trio: Three Labor Activists Lead a Growing Drive to Sign Up Women.”The Wall Street Journal, January 29, 1985a.
___. “To the Union Chiefs, It’s Still a Brotherhood.”The Wall Street Journal, November 20, 1985b.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
The helpful comments of Rodney Fort, Daniel Hamermesh, Robert Hutchens, and Jon Sonstelie on an earlier draft of the paper are gratefully acknowledged.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Leigh, D.E., Hills, S.M. Male-female differences in the potential for union growth outside traditionally unionized industries. Journal of Labor Research 8, 131–142 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02685243
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02685243