This research involves two specific projects designed to investigate the impact of transfer programs and labor market opportunities on the behavior of low-income households. The first project investigates the role of part-time work among female workers. The second focuses on the effect of multiple transfer programs on household behavior, with a particular emphasis on the dynamic interaction between in-kind and cash programs. Estimating strategies are designed to compare the time patterns of multiple transfer use among different populations. Much of the estimation will focus on differences in the duration of time spent on single versus multiple programs. The interactive component includes teaching a graduate course on income distribution and weekly participation in three ongoing faculty/student seminars: labor economics/public finance, an interdisciplinary seminar in industrial relations, and one involving labor market issues. This project furthers VPW program objectives which are (1) to provide opportunities for women to advance their careers in engineering and in the disciplines of science supported by NSF and (2) to encourage women to pursue careers in science and engineering by providing greater visibility for women scientists and engineers employed in industry, government, and academic institutions. By encouraging the participation of women in science, it is a valuable investment in the Nation's future scientific vitality.
