Women’s participation pattern is now more like men’s
January 09, 2004
Women’s pattern of labor force participation by age more closely resembles that of men than it did a few decades ago.
[Chart data—TXT]
In 1970, the impact of marriage and motherhood on women’s participation rate was very evident. Participation peaked at ages 20-24, dropped at ages 25-34, and rose again to a second peak at ages 45-54. On the chart, these rates resemble the letter "M."
By 2002, the pattern of peaks and valley was no longer evident. As women added the role of worker to their more traditional family roles, their labor force participation pattern in 2002 more closely resembled the inverted "U" of men’s participation rates.
These data are from the Current Population Survey. For more information on women in the labor force, see "Women at work: a visual essay," in the October 2003 Monthly Labor Review.
OF INTEREST
Recent editions of Spotlight on Statistics
- Fatal Injuries to Foreign-Born Hispanic or Latino Workers
Explores the industries, occupations, and events related to these fatalities.
- For-Profit, Nonprofit, and Government Sector Jobs in 2022
Compares the labor force characteristics and experiences of workers in the for-profit, nonprofit, government, and self-employed sectors.
- Union Membership, Activity, and Compensation in 2022
Focuses on trends in union membership, work stoppages, and pay and benefits among union members.
- A Look at a Neat Industry: Distilleries
Examines trends in employment, establishments, wages, and consumer prices for distilleries.
- Healthcare Occupations: Characteristics of the Employed
Compares the demographic characteristics of workers in healthcare occupations.
United States Department of Labor
