Duration of unemployment: a study for Cúcuta with a gender perspective

Abstract

Introduction: In Colombia, unemployment has been a constant topic of debate. This phenomenon limits economic development by influencing areas such as quality of life, poverty, consumption, migration, and the informal economy. Over the last 10 years, the unemployment rate has been decreasing; however, departments like Norte de Santander have reached levels higher than the national average.

Objective: To analyze the duration of unemployment in 2022 in the city of Cúcuta and its metropolitan area, considering the characteristics of female and male individuals as possible determinants of the duration of this state.

Method: A gender approach is taken, given multiple gaps in the labor market, including the longer duration of unemployment for women compared to men at the national level. The 2022 Integrated Household Survey (Encuentro Integrada de Hogares) is used, and econometric duration models are applied to estimate the duration of unemployment by sex and its determinants. In addition, the data are calculated by disaggregating individuals by characteristics such as marital status, nationality, number of children, and others. Furthermore, the length of time an individual is unemployed and the transition between employment and other employment statuses, are reviewed.

Result: Labor market statistics show a significant difference in female and male unemployment rates. Women are more unemployed and remain unemployed for longer periods in Cúcuta and the Metropolitan Area. On average, women spend 5.2 months looking for work, while men spend only 3.4 months. Women exhibit a higher rate of unemployment survival; after 10 months of unemployment, they have a 50% probability of remaining unemployed. For men, the survival rate is halved to 50%; that is, they recover from unemployment more quickly than women do.

Conclusion: The duration of a job search is determined by various factors and varies depending on specific characteristics. It can be stated that individual characteristics determine the length of unemployment. Age, work experience, number of children, head-of-household status, and immigration status affect the duration of a job search similarly for men and women; however, marital status and educational level have different effects on duration for each sex.