EH.Net Abstracts in Economic History

                ABSTRACTS IN ECONOMIC HISTORY
                     (c) 2001 EH.Net
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Name:  Curtis J. Simon
Email:  cjsmn at clemson.edu
Institution:  Clemson University

Co-author:  none

Title:  The Supply Price of Labor During the Great Depression

Internet Address of abstracted work:  not available

By mail:
Department of Economics
222 Sirrine Hall
Clemson University
Clemson, SC 29634-1309

Language:  English

Abstract:
This article presents somewhat-more-direct evidence than has been 
available on the supply price of labor during the Depression. The new 
data comprise wages asked from situations-wanted ads for female 
clerical workers. Between 1929 and 1933 annual average clerical wages 
asked fell nominally by nearly 58 percent, markedly lower than wages 
of new or existing employees. Neither changes in labor quality nor 
self-selection explains the decline. Clerical wages asked fell by 
roughly the same percentage as did wages paid in agriculture. The 
data are strongly inconsistent with the market-clearing view of 
Depression-era labor markets.

Bibliography: Simon, Curtis J. "The Supply Price of Labor During the 
Great Depression." The Journal of Economic History, Vol. 61, No. 4 
(December 2001): 877-903.

Subject:  T
Geographical Area:  7
Country/Region:  United States
Time Period:  8

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