SHORT-TERM EMPLOYMENT TRANSITIONS OF WOMEN IN THE ISRAELI LABOR-FORCE

Using data on Jewish Israeli women aged 25 to 55, the author examines patterns and determinants of women's transitions among four employment categories: regular full-time employment, reduced-hours full-time emp loyment, part-time employment, and non-employment. Israeli women are n ot trapped in part-time employment. Departures from reduced-hour and p art-time employment occur at higher rates than departures from full-ti me jobs. Women who have just given birth have an increased likelihood of moving from full-time employment to reduced-hour or part-time emplo yment. Women in female-type occupations and those in ''peripheral'' jo bs (jobs outside core industries) are more likely than other women to reduce their work hours or exit the labor force. The author argues tha t although part-time work is a valuable short-term option for many wom en, in the long run it preserves labor market institutions that are di sadvantageous to women.