Semester Award Granted

Summer 2025

Submission Date

August 2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Rebel Cole

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to investigate the impact of veteran status on unemployment in times of crisis. Driven by the social identity theory, we argue that people’s identity deriving from his or her military background makes them more valuable assets in the work environment, specifically in times of crisis, because of their human capital. We utilize the coronavirus pandemic as the exogenous shock in the labor marketplace, capturing the crisis environment. Due to the veterans’ human capital driven by their leadership and entrepreneurial characteristics from their military experience, we argue that individuals with veteran backgrounds have stronger labor market outcomes from the unemployment perspective than non-veterans in times of crisis. This study contributes to literature on the labor outcomes of protected groups and the effects of the pandemic. The research provides new evidence regarding how veteran status affects unemployment in the crisis environment. JEL Classification: G21; J14; J15; H81

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