What We Know and Don’t Know about Declining Labor Force Participation: A Review

The rate of men’s participation in the workforce has been declining for decades, especially among men ages 25-54. This report from the Brookings Institution analyzes the reasons for this decline and its consequences. Some of the reasons for the decline include a decrease in the availability of low-skill manufacturing jobs due to automation, poor health, and the availability of disability insurance. Reversing this decline will require investment in education and training to increase the skills of the labor force to meet employer demand. The authors also recommend better adjustment assistance for workers in declining fields and providing more flexibility for workers with disabilities and family care responsibilities.