The labor force is the number of people aged 16 or older who are either working or looking for work. It does not include active-duty military personnel or institutionalized people, such as prison inmates. Quantifying this total supply of labor is a way of determining how big the economy can get. Labor force participation rates vary significantly…

The authors analyze civilian occupations and employment data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau in 1960, 1970, 1980, 1990, and 2000 with respect to 6 kinds of work (Holland's RIASEC [Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, Conventional] classification), employment, and gender. For the 1990 and 2000 censuses, kinds of work,…

In the last two decades, the United States has been in the throes of rapid economic change brought by new technologies and the globalization of the economy. One of the best ways to study the effects of change on the U.S. population is through the abundant information available on the website of the United States Bureau of the Census. In addition…

Comparison of detailed occupational structure of the labor force over four censuses shows that in all four majority of workers were employed in small number of occupations; 1950s-70s saw significant shifts of 10-15 percent of labor force into different occupational categories; and 1980s share of labor force for most occupations was substantially…

THE FINAL STAGE OF A PROGRAM FOR ACHIEVING A BALANCE BETWEEN THE AGGREGATE SUPPLY AND DEMAND FOR LABOR IS THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE INDUSTRY EMPLOYMENT ESTIMATES INTO OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENTS BASED ON PROJECTIONS OF OCCUPATIONAL PATTERNS BY INDUSTRY. THIS CAN BE USED TO EVALUATE POTENTIAL AREAS OF SUBSTANTIAL SURPLUS OR SHORTAGE, AND PROVIDE THE…

This article analyzes employment data from the U.S. census (1960 to 1990) using the Holland classification. The census data are organized according to category of occupation, occupational level, gender, and income. The results indicate that the distributions of employment are similar from 1960 to 1990 despite some major shifts within several…

This Special Labor Force Report, published by the U.S. Department of Labor, presents statistics on the high school class of 1972. The report bases its estimates on supplementary questions in the October 1972 Current Population Survey by the Bureau of the Census and includes explanations of the sampling procedure, definitions of terms used, and…

The main purpose of this study is to assess the extent of withdrawal or retirement from the work force of persons of retirement age in the USSR during recent years and to compare such trends with corresponding developments in the United States. (Author)

Today, the Census Bureau compiles extensive information every year about the people and the economy of the United States. That is how the authors know that in 2006 the United States is going to reach an extraordinary milestone--300 million people. In this article, the authors discuss the "now and then" of the U.S. society. The authors…

Fifty-six charts present data on the characteristics of American working women and their changing status over the past 25 years. The major data source is the Current Population Survey conducted monthly for the Bureau of Labor Statistics by the Bureau of Census. Part 1 provides information on employment and unemployment. In January 1975 some 36 and…

This article argues that in the upcoming decades, older workers will be competing against the largest cohort of middle-aged workers in our country's history. In the absence of other options, the elderly may feel increased pressure to retire or work part time. (Author/SSH)

Using data from the 1980 census and earlier censuses this booklet briefly profiles women in the American population and the changes in their educational levels, workforce participation, income levels, marital status, and roles as mothers. Graphs are used throughout to highlight these changes. Census figures indicate that women are now the majority…

Reviews historical patterns in the employment of rural women and explains the policy implications of their unique labor market experiences. Analyzes current differences between rural and urban female employment, emphasizing the narrow range of occupations open to rural women and their resulting employment deprivation and vulnerability to poverty.…

An analysis was done of recently released 1990 Census data on wage levels for full-time workers. The analysis found that the proportion of full-time, year-round workers who are paid low wages jumped between 1979 and 1990. In 1979, 12.1 percent of full-time, year-round workers were paid low wages, but 18 percent were paid low wages in 1990. Low…

This report presents data from the 1996 Census of Canada concerning educational attainment, educational success, and labor market outcomes among Aboriginal people and others in Canada. There has been clear educational progress among registered Indians over the past decade, particularly in high school completion and postsecondary participation.…