CONTINUITY AND CHANGE IN WOMENS OCCUPATIONS FOLLOWING FIRST CHILDBIRTH

Objective. This paper focuses on the effects of parenthood on women's occupational choice, In particular, the paper examines the effect of o ccupational characteristics on the likelihood of returning to the labo r force after giving birth, and remaining in same occupation. Method. The analysis is based on a sample of young Israeli mothers. Using mult inomial logistic regression, the paper analyzes the likelihood of moth ers to interrupt employment, change occupation, or return to same posi tion following the birth of a child. Results. The findings indicate th at women employed in female-type occupations are more likely to resume market activity and less likely to change their occupations. Moreover , women who change their initial occupations tend to move into a femal e-type occupation. This pattern of stability and change in employment is attributed both to economic factors and to employment conditions. C onclusions. The study suggests that the organization of work within oc cupations affects women's employment-decisions. Female-type occupation s which offer relatively high prestige and convenient working hours at tract women to the labor force. While increasing the continuity of emp loyment, these market structures also contribute to the ghettoization of females in the labor force.