M 字カーブ指数の開発とその決定要因 〜国勢調査を用いた市区町村データからの分析〜

Background: The labor force participation rate of women in Japan shows an M-shaped curve when plotted against age on the horizontal axis, and this trend is considered characteristic of the female labor force in Japan. However, comparing this M-shaped curve among municipalities is challenging. This study aimed to quantify this M-shaped curve. Material and Methods: The M-shaped curve was quantified using the National Census and named the M- shaped curve index. We used this index to measure the status of prefectures and municipalities and conducted multiple regression analysis using variables known to be related to women's societal advancement as independent variables. Results: By prefecture, the highest index value was 0.345 in Aichi Prefecture, while the lowest was 0.164, with metropolitan areas tending to have larger values. Multiple regression analysis for municipalities revealed that the number of household members, daycare centers, and pediatricians were negatively correlated with the size of the M-shaped curve index. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest implications for policy decisions aimed at improving the working environment for women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]