Occupation of young people in Mexico between 1992 and 2018: Studying, working, both or neither

We analyze the occupation of young people in Mexico between 1992 and 2018. A decrease in the disconnection rate is observed, with an exception during the 2008-2010 crisis. Probabilistic models for the year 2018 highlight inequalities between sex, household structure or territory. The main determinants of occupational pathways are the education level of the parents, having a child, and sex. Women are less represented in the labor market than men, and having children decreases the likelihood of them working, while, for men, this rate increases. Young people who grow up under more favorable circumstances are less likely to combine work and studies. For women, living in an urban area or a wealthier household is synonymous with labor insertion and lower disconnection. For men, these characteristics are associated at a young age with a higher level of disconnection rather than work. Our results reaffirm the importance of early intervention in improving opportunities and avoiding adverse outcomes during times of economic crisis.