Non-Linear relationship between Body Mass Index and labor market outcomes: New evidence from China

Luo, Mi and Zhang, Chuanchuan (2012): Non-Linear relationship between Body Mass Index and labor market outcomes: New evidence from China.

Abstract

Using data from a most recent national household survey in China, we provide new evidence for the associations between body mass index (BMI) and labor market attainments. In contrast to previous studies, we find a significant non-linear relationship between BMI and probability of employment / wages, especially for women. Several potential channels are discussed carefully, including health, occupational sorting, self-esteem, and discrimination. Our findings are in favor of pure discrimination from potential employers, rather than the other three channels.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Body mass index; Unemployment; Wage; Non-linear correlation
• Subjects: J - Labor and Demographic Economics > J3 - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs > J31 - Wage Level and Structure ; Wage Differentials; I - Health, Education, and Welfare > I1 - Health > I12 - Health Behavior; J - Labor and Demographic Economics > J6 - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers > J64 - Unemployment: Models, Duration, Incidence, and Job Search

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