The study presented in Chapter 6 of "The Economics of Gender in Mexico," examined male-female differences in employment and the incidence of self-employment in rural Mexico. Data were gathered from a survey of 5,189 working-age individuals in rural areas of Guanajuato, Puebla, and Veracruz. Findings indicate that education, age, and household headship were all positively related to employment. However, the presence of very small children in the household reduced the workforce participation of single females but not males. The only significant predictors of single-female self-employment were postsecondary education and residence in Guanajuato, both of which reduced self-employment. For married women, education, age, household headship, household size, and residence in Puebla were all positively related to workforce participation. The presence of young children made employment less attractive for married women. Education increased the likelihood of employment for married women, but not for men. For married women, secondary and postsecondary education increased their chances of being in the salaried sector, compared to self-employment. Low levels of education, being indigenous, a large dwelling unit, residing in Guanajuato or in a large locality, and working in the agricultural sector were all positively related to self-employment for married men and women. Gender-specific differences in workforce and self-employment responses mostly explained the male-female differences in labor market outcomes. Policy strategies are suggested relating to women's education and training, availability of child care, and rural development. (Contains 23 references and 9 tables and boxes.) (TD)