Changes in the Size and Composition of the Population Outside the Labor Force

Shasta F. Jones, University of Pennsylvania

The United States adult population may be divided into two parts: those who are members of the labor force and those who are not. Studies are generally interested in further analyzing persons in the labor force. This research asserts that while societal changes had a profound impact on persons in the labor force, we miss part of the labor market story by not understanding the roles and characteristics of persons outside the labor force. Using Current Population Survey data from 1964 to 2000, the growth and change in the population outside the labor force is decomposed into factors associated with demographic change and factors associated with social change (changes in participation in activities outside the labor force). Separate analyses were conducted by gender and race. Results for females and males highlight the contribution of social change in this population.