Duration of Unemployment of Professionals from the Four Major Metropolitan Areas of Colombia (2008–2014)

Abstract

This research analyzes the decisive facts of the duration of unemployment of professionals from the four major metropolitan areas of Colombia, according to the information gathered from the Great Integrated Household Survey for 2008–2014. Descriptive analysis and econometric estimations are offered through quantile regressions with selection bias correction and specific comparisons for metropolitan areas of interest are made. Results show that age does not have a significant impact on the duration of unemployment in professionals in addition, having children under six years of age and marital status are important factors in explaining the duration of unemployment and, in general, the duration of unemployment of professional women is more persistent.