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Why aren't U.S. wokers working?

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Author: 
Daly, M. C., Pedtke, J. H., Petrosky-Nadeau, N., & Schweinert, A.
Format: 
Article
Publication Date: 
12 Nov 2018
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Abstract

Labor force participation among U.S. men and women ages 25 to 54 has been declining for nearly 20 years, a stark contrast with rising participation in Canada over this period. Three-fourths of the difference between the two countries can be explained by the growing gap in labor force attachment of women. A key factor is the extensive parental leave policies in Canada. If the United States could reverse the trend in participation of prime-age women to match Canada, it would see 5 million additional prime-age workers join the labor force.

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