Search theory, spatial labor markets, and commuting
Article Abstract:
Spatial interactions between two locations, employment and residence, are analyzed using a model created in the framework of search theory. The model is set in an urbanized area where employment opportunities are concentrated on selected regions. The model reveals that wasteful commuting will result from the efforts of both worker and employee to optimize their behavior, job searching for the former and hiring for the latter. Maximizing job hunting activity will require the acceptance of the job that will pay the critical wage at the very least while optimizing hiring requires the generation of maximum profit through trade offs between wage level and vacancy. Location patterns are constructed using the model with corridors connecting employment areas in an urban region with the residences of potential employees.
Publication Name: Journal of Urban Economics
Subject: Government
ISSN: 0094-1190
Year: 1998
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Ethnic variation in commuting propensity and unemployment spells: some UK evidence
Article Abstract:
Data from a survey commissioned by the UK Social Security Dept on people who were unemployed was used to investigate the extent to which unemployed job hunters would be willing to commute between home and work and the length of their unemployment. In particular, white-non-white variances in this commuting willingness and unemployment duration were studied. It was found that a significant number of minorities were resistant to commuting long distances, which suggests that they exhibit more localized job search patterns likely because they consider this option more productive. They also experienced longer unemployment durations by roughly six months. It is possible that distant search substituted for possibly more productive local job searches may likely worsen the unemployment situation.
Publication Name: Journal of Urban Economics
Subject: Government
ISSN: 0094-1190
Year: 1998
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Job search and unemployment duration: implications for the spatial mismatch hypothesis
Article Abstract:
The spatial mismatch hypothesis suggests a link between housing market segregation and employment outcomes. Thus, high unemployment levels in inner-city and minority communities can be explained by the isolation of residents in these areas from suburban employment opportunities. A study was conducted to examine the relationship between unemployment duration and the spatial distribution of employment. An innovative measure of access was developed using municipal level employment growth and a matrix of commuting times for the metropolitan area of Pittsburg, PA. Findings revealed that individuals having more access to employment have a shorter span of unemployment. The influence of access on unemployment duration is sensitive to access specification.
Publication Name: Journal of Urban Economics
Subject: Government
ISSN: 0094-1190
Year: 1997
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