Spouse Employment in the Army: Research Findings
Abstract
This report reviews what is known about Army spouse employment as a result of the Army Family Research Program (AFRP). The analyses reported apply primarily to civilian wives because they constitute the majority of Army spouses. The findings indicate that, although Army wives are entering the labor force in increasing numbers, their labor force participation lags slightly behind that of civilian wives. In addition, unemployment is considerably higher among Army wives (especially among wives of junior enlisted personnel) than among civilian wives, and there is ample evidence of underemployment. Aspects of the Army lifestyle such as employment interruptions because of frequent relocations seem to have pervasive effects on wives' labor force participation and employment. Other structural/institutional barriers such as inadequate transportation and child care also pose obstacles for military spouses. In addition, AFRP analyses show that Army wives' employment circumstances have important implications for military retention and are likely to influence readiness. Spouse employment; Army wives; Working wives; Labor force participation; Military wives; Employment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA222135
Entities
People
- Jacquelyn Scarville
Organizations
- U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences