Unique Institutions in Unique Places: A Look at the Effects of Occupational Licensing in Indian Country

Loading...
Thumbnail Image

Persistent link to this item

Statistics
View Statistics

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Title

Unique Institutions in Unique Places: A Look at the Effects of Occupational Licensing in Indian Country

Published Date

2012-12-20

Publisher

Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs

Type

Thesis or Dissertation

Abstract

Recent studies have shown that occupational licensing is an important, measurable, labor market institution associated with 18 percent higher wages. However, a gap in the research exists as it applies to American Indian Country. This gap is partially due to tribal sovereignty, which prevents uniform application of state level licensure laws from applying to American Indian Country. Our research sought to investigate this gap by employing a mixed methods approach. We first looked at the experiences of American Indians as it pertains to occupational licensing for mental health within the Minnesota Ojibwe Tribe, finding a gradual increase of licensure and an associated decrease in service complaints. Secondly, we examined the effects of occupational licensing and location (on American Indian Territory or not) for Non-Hispanic Whites and American Indians as well as by Gender. First, we found a positive effect on both labor force participation and earnings associated with licensing. Secondly, we saw a negative penalty on both labor force participation and earnings for living in a homeland. Thirdly, the effects of licensing with a Homeland are a significant only for women and white men. Our findings suggest that further research should be focused on the effects of licensing within an Indian Reservation instead of using a proxy such as the Homeland Variable. We also find that a close examination of winners and losers, focusing on barriers to entry, should take place. Finally, we find that labor force participation and earnings are not as great for American Indians as has been found for the broader population previously.

Description

Professional paper for the fulfillment of the Master of Public Policy

Related to

Replaces

License

Series/Report Number

Funding information

Isbn identifier

Doi identifier

Previously Published Citation

Other identifiers

Suggested citation

Harrison, Will; Koenigs, Clark; Merz, Ryan; Mohamed, Sakawdin; Monroy-Taborda, Sebastian; Groebner, Alison; White, Erik. (2012). Unique Institutions in Unique Places: A Look at the Effects of Occupational Licensing in Indian Country. Retrieved from the University Digital Conservancy, https://hdl.handle.net/11299/143503.

Content distributed via the University Digital Conservancy may be subject to additional license and use restrictions applied by the depositor. By using these files, users agree to the Terms of Use. Materials in the UDC may contain content that is disturbing and/or harmful. For more information, please see our statement on harmful content in digital repositories.