The document discusses trends in US labor force participation rates from the 1960s to the present. It notes that participation increased steadily for both men and women until the 1990s, when growth began to decline. The peak participation rate was in 2000 at 67.3%. By 2005, the rate had fallen 1.5% and there has been a continuous slow decline since then. A key factor is the retirement of Baby Boomers, which is expected to further lessen the size of the labor pool going forward as the population ages and birth rates remain low.

1. Trends in LaborForce
Participation

2. Change in Labor Force
Participation
The labor force participation rate in the
United States increased for both males and
females almost continuously for two-and-ahalf decades after the mid-1960s. There
was a standstill of growth only during
pausing only briefly during economic
downturns.
During these times the role of the woman
was ever changing

3. Change in Labor Force
Participation
Such trends change however come the
1990’s where you can see a decline in
growth
The labor force participation reaches its
highest peak in the first quarter of 2000 at
67.3%

4. Change in Labor Force
Participation
By 2005 labor force participation fell by
1.5%
Since 2005 there has been a continuous,
slow decline of labor force participation, the
2012 decline was estimated to be 2% from
post depression participation rates

5. Decline of Labor Force
Participation
Graph from http://www.epi.org/publication/ib333-labor-force-participation-since-great-recession/

6. What does the
Graph Show?
Woman have made a greater presence in
the work force
There is a great decline of younger workers
both male and female
The 25-54 age range for males has
dropped 5% while female participation for
the same age group grew by 1%

7. What does the
Graph Show?
One of the most interesting findings include
overall participation. In 1989 participation
was at 66.5% and
in 2011 overall participation was at 64.1%

8. What is Causing the
Decline?
Younger
Retirement generations
age
going to
college
Discourage Decline in
d workers birthrate

9. Will this Trend
Continue?
It is estimated to continue in a slow steady
decline due to the “Baby Boomer”
generation getting ready for retirement
The population as a whole is seeing trends
of earlier retirement, which lessens the
labor pool
Families on average are having less
children, this means a smaller population
thus a smaller labor pool

10. Will this Trend
Continue?
It is estimated to continue in a slow steady
decline due to the “Baby Boomer”
generation getting ready for retirement
The population as a whole is seeing trends
of earlier retirement, which lessens the
labor pool
Families on average are having less
children, this means a smaller population
thus a smaller labor pool