Using a difference-in-differences model,the present paper provides empirical evidence of minimum wage effects on employment and working hours in China.The results show that male employment is not affected by a minimum wage increase,although men 's working hours do increase.In contrast,female employment is more likely to be negatively affected by a minimum wage increase,while their working hours remain unchanged.This may lead to women being in a more disadvantaged position in the workforce,and adopting a monthly minimum wage may induce firms to extend men's working hours.Therefore,to better protect disadvantaged workers,we suggest that minimum wage regulation should focus on the target group of less-educated women,and that a unified minimum hourly wage needs to be set for both full-time and part-time workers.Meanwhile,the importance of human capital accumulation should be addressed in alleviating the negative effects of minimum wage increases.
