"This article provides an exploratory analysis into the ethnic differences in demographic characteristic and economic activity, as well as changes over time. Quarterly Labour Force Surveys were pooled over seven spring quarters to form an early time cohort (1992-1995) and a later time cohort (2000-2002). Patterns of women's economic activity revealed major differences between ethnic groups, as well as significant changes over time. Black women tended to remain in full-time employment throughout family formation whereas white and Indian women were more likely to be in part-time employment. In contrast, levels of economic activity amongst Pakistani and Bangladeshi women fell substantially once they had a partner and fell again when they had children. This descriptive analysis suggests it is important to take into consideration the varying demographic and family structures when analysing the economic activity of minority ethnic women. A key question for the future is whether younger cohorts of women will increase their economic activity from the low levels of the maternal generation."

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