Mapping the spatial pattern of the uncertain data in urban areas: The disadvantaged predict global nonresponse rate in the National Household Survey

High levels of survey nonresponse potentially produce unreliable data due to the often indeterminable possibility of such data being subject to nonresponse bias. In this paper, spatial patterns of global nonresponse rate are analyzed in order to identify whether systemic bias exists across urban spaces with regard to survey nonresponse. Forward stepwise regression is used in combination with spatial regression analysis to build models enabling the prediction of global nonresponse rates in the voluntary 2011 National Household Survey based on explanatory employment, housing, income, and other variables within 11 Canadian cities. The modelling process underscores the inequity of global nonresponse rates; places with high unemployment, high rates of rental properties, a higher proportion of Aboriginal residents, and lower educational attainment have lower compliance with the voluntary survey. Such a pattern has the potential to dramatically influence the ability of government, non-governmental organizations, and other service providers to address the needs of residents of such urban areas.     

Assessing the Impact of Location on Women's Labor Market Outcomes: A Methodological Exploration

Location and the nature of locally available employment opportunities is believed to shape labor force participation, job type, and wages. Analysts investigating this issue have encountered problems in operationalizing the concept of “locally available employment opportunities.” We first review the grounds for expecting a relationship between local context and employment outcomes for women and then critically assess the methods and measures that analysts have used to explore the relationship. Finally, we describe a new approach for measuring local employment context that consists of a fine-scaled measure individually tailored for each woman in the sample. Using discriminant analysis we ask whether the spatial variables measuring local employment context are important determinants of women's employment in female-dominated occupations. The results suggest that for most groups of women (defined by city or suburban residence and by sociodemographics) the spatial variables are not important. For well-educated, part-time employed women with young children, however, living in an area rich in female-dominated job opportunities increases the likelihood of having a job in a gender-typical occupation; for these women, the local employment context does affect labor market outcomes.     

Reviews and book notes

Penelope Hetherington, British Paternalism and Africa 1920–1940. Frank Cass, London, 1978, pp. xvi + 196. Price not stated on review copy.

Agnes Heller, The Theory of Need in Marx, London, Allison and Busby in association with Spokesman Books, August, 1976, pp. 135. Cloth and paper, price as yet unavailable.

P. Loveday, A. W. Martin and R. S. Parker (eds.), The Emergence of the Australian Party System, Sydney, Hale & Iremonger, 1977, pp. xviii + 538. $9.95 paper.

Robin Evelegh, PEACE‐KEEPING IN ADEMOCRATIC SOCIETY; The Lessons of Northern Ireland. 1978, pp. 240, $7.50.

Tony Bunyan, The History and Practice of the Political Police in Britain, J. Friedmann, 1976.

Abraham Ashkenasi, Modern German Nationalism. Schenkman, 1976. $20.00.

Northern Ireland 1968–74 A Chronology of Events. (Blackstaff Press, Belfast). Volume 1 1968–71, (£3.95); Volume 2 1972–73. (£6.50); Volume 3 1974, (£7.50). All three volumes compiled by Richard Deutsch and Vivien Magowan.

Peter Gibbon, The Origins of Ulster Unionism, Manchester U.P., 1975, pp. 163. £6.00.

Nancy Kinghan, United We Stood, Appletree Press, Belfast, 1975, pp. 95. £1.90.

Halliday, R. J., John Stuart Mill, George Allen and Unwin, London 1976, pp. 151. $9.70 paper, $19.50 cloth.

Anthony Carew, Democracy and Government in European Trade Unions, George Allen and Unwin Ltd., London, 1976, pp. 207 + appendices. $24.80.

Charles McCarthy, Trade Unions in Ireland. 1894–1960, Institute of Public Administration, Dublin, 1977, pp. 587 + appendices. £15.00.