Case Study article, Labor Force Participation of Men and Women in the U.S. Economy, - Essay Example

There are a number of reasons why the women’s participation in the workforce has been increased over the years. The points out that the women participation has almost doubled over the years. The reasons given were increase in technology and convenience for women in handling their household chores. This made ample time available for women to look for work. However, at the same time, men’s participation in the workforce has seen a considerable decline. This was because men are spending more time in colleges than their fathers or grandfathers.

Similarly, with more women now opting to work, fathers are also forced to look after their children and hence men participation in the workforce has seen a decline. Another reason for the increase in the women participation is the introduction of birth control and family planning programmes. This again has relieved women from their conventional household duties. All these points seem valid but the author fails to comment on the sustainability of these changes. I believe these changes will be short lived.

In the long run, the decline in birth rate will mean that less labor force will be available for economic development and GDP will fall at a faster rate with less young and energetic people working in the economy and older people retiring early. The increase in women participation should be, therefore, taken as more of a problem then something to be happy about as it would harm the economy in the long run.