Determinants of Domestic Workers' Employment: Evidence from Lebanese Household Survey Data

Abstract

This paper provides new evidence on the determinants of domestic workers' employment using a unique micro-level dataset on Lebanese households drawn from the National Household Budget Survey (2005) conducted by Central Administration of Statistics (CAS). Controlling for household, household head, dwelling, and regional characteristics, we find that the probability of hiring a domestic worker is significantly higher for larger households, female headed households, larger dwellings, and increases with aggregate household consumption. Furthermore, regional differences are found to be highly significant where households located outside the capital city are less likely to retain a domestic worker. These insights can be potentially useful for policymakers in their effort to regulate the industry revolving around domestic work.

Keywords: domestic workers' employment, demand for domestic work, household level data

JEL Classification: D13, J22, J23, J49