Women Are Driving the Recent Recovery in Prime-Age Labor Force Participation

Tran, Thao; Tuzemen, Didem

Journal Article

Women Are Driving the Recent Recovery in Prime-Age Labor Force Participation

Abstract: The labor force participation rate of prime-age individuals (age 25 to 54) in the United States declined dramatically during and after the Great Recession. While the rate remains below its pre-recession level, it has been increasing steadily since 2015. We examine how different demographic groups have contributed to this rebound and find that college-educated women have made the largest contribution to the recent recovery in the prime-age labor force participation rate.

Keywords: Labor force; Women; Prime-age labor force;

JEL Classification: J01; J16; J20; J21;