Trends in Labor Force Participation - Essay Example

Trends in Labor Force ParticipationThere has been a transformation in labor force participation between men and women, across the world. In the past, women participation in the labor market was limited due to cultural beliefs and societal norms that women were supposed to take care of the household. In the recent past, labor-force participation has witnessed a drastic change with women participation in the labor market increasing from 33 percent t0 59 percent. On the other hand, labor-force participation among men dropped from 87 percent to 71 percent.

There has been a vast range of reasons that have led to the increase in women’s labor force participation. For instance, the rise and improvement of technology in the information era resulting into less time required for household chores, and changes in social and political attitudes among others (Mankiw 38). Alternatively, the decline in labor-force participation in men can be attributed to early and prolonged retirement period, and more time consumed in school among young men. Westernization and globalization has also affected the emergence and increase of labor-force participation among women.

In the current world, women participation in various social, economic and political leadership positions has drastically increased. Women empowerment programs and women labor unions have played an imperative role in ensuring women get equal representation and fair treatment in the workplace (Mankiw 38). According to some economists, labor-force participation is expected to drop in the future as a result of increased old population share in the labor market. Today, equal representation in the labor-force participation among men and women has been witnessed.

On the other hand, there is need for government intervention in protecting available opportunities in order creates more chances and participation in the labor-force. Works CitedMankiw, Gregory N. Instructor’s Resources for use with Macroeconomics, 8th Edition. New York: Worth Publishers, 2012.