The focus of the article is the sudden and pronounced employment plunge, which began in late 1974 and continued into the spring of 1975. Employment declines among men were generally larger and more pervasive than for women. (Author)

Since 1950, social changes and employment-retirement experiences have contributed to a dramatic increase in labor force participation rates for women, a slower but steady decline for men, and a mixed pattern for teenagers. Tables and charts depict data analyzed in the text. (MF)

At the onset of 1980, the nation entered a recession with employment falling until the fourth quarter. Unemployment rose faster than at any time since the 1974-75 recession, peaked at midyear, and was well above prerecession levels at the end of the year. (LRA)