Trends in Non-Farm Self-Employment Activity for Rural Women 1981-2001

Abstract

The importance of non-farm self-employment activity as a source of employment and income in Canada's rural and small town (RST) labour market is increasing. This paper provides an overview of major trends in non-farm self-employment activity for rural women, compared to urban women and rural men. In 2001, 14 percent of female workers in the RST labour market were engaged in nonfarm self-employment activity, compared to 9 percent in 1981. Women in RST areas were more likely to have some non-farm self-employment activity, compared to women in larger urban centres (LUC). In each rural / urban group, women, ages 50 to 64, were more likely to report some non-farm self-employment activity than younger women. Women's non-farm self-employment activity rates are lower than men's in each rural / urban group nationally. However, the gap between women's and men's rates is decreasing. Women in RST areas are less likely to earn $20,000 or more from (unincorporated) nonfarm self-employment activity, compared to women in LUC areas. Regardless of type of geographic area, women with (unincorporated) non-farm self-employment income are less likely than men to earn$20,000 or more from this source.Labor and Human Capital,