Work decision of older men and resource allocation with spouse and children

Abstract

  In this study, the author examined the relationship between the allocation of economic and time resources to their wife and children and the work decision of older men using data from the National Family Research of Japan. Multivariate analysis based on a linear probability model revealed that the wife’s time spent on housework were positively associated with the probability of employment among older men, and the provision of non-economic support to children were negatively associated with it, even after controlling for sociodemographic attributes such as education and health status. These results suggest that not only economic status and employment opportunities but also the allocation of resources within the family should be taken into account in the work decision of the older men.