Most labor market search models ignore the fact that decisions are often made at the household level. We fill this gap by developing and estimating a household search model with on-the-job search and labor supply. We find that ignoring the household as a decision-making unit has relevant empirical consequences. In estimation, the individual search model implies gender wage offer differentials almost twice as large as the household search model. In the application, the individual search model implies female lifetime inequality 30% lower than the household search model. Labor market policy effects on lifetime inequality are also sensitive to the specification.

We develop and estimate a model of supply and demand for childcare. On the demand side, households make consumption, labor supply, and childcare decisions. On the supply side, centers make entry, price, and quality decisions. In addition, both paid and informal caregivers are available. Child development is a function of the time spent with parents and nonparental care providers. We estimate the model using data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort, and perform policy experiments. Vouchers that can be used only in high-quality centers or by working mothers are particularly effective, since they deliver child development gains while increasing mothers’ labor supply.