Question

related to economics in practice: a quiet revolution women join the labor force
consider the table below and the changes that have taken place in the workforce

based on the data above, it can be stated that the labor force participation rate has
a. increased steadily over time, and this can be mainly attributed to the increase in population during this period
b. increased steadily over time, and this can be largely attributed to increased participation of women in the labor force
c. decreased steadily over time, and this can be largely attributed to decline in participation of men in the labor force
d. decreased during this period, and this can be explained by the fall in u s birth rate.

Explanation:

The labor - force participation rate is calculated as \(\frac{\text{Labor Force}}{\text{Population 16 years old or over}}\times100\). Looking at the data in the table, the labor - force participation rate increased from \(59.2\) in \(1950\) to \(67.1\) in \(2000\) (and then slightly decreased to \(65.4\) in \(2009\), but overall there was an upward trend from \(1950 - 2000\)). The main reason for the increase in the labor - force participation rate over time (especially in the mid - 20th century) was the increased participation of women in the labor force. Population increase (\(A\)) does not directly explain the participation rate (which is a proportion). The data shows an increase in the participation rate, so \(C\) and \(D\) (which claim a decrease) are incorrect.

Answer:

B. increased steadily over time, and this can be largely attributed to increased participation of women in the labor force