Question

one factor that contributed to the growth in share of population employed in the U.S. between 1960 and 1980 was increased by

Answer 1

The biggest factor contributing to the growth in the share of the population employed in the U.S. between 1960 and 1980 was the increased women labor force participation. At that time, the U.S. was actively engaged in the Vietnam war and men were sent off to fight the war. Even the GDP growth was slow as compared to earlier periods after 1973, which was majorly upheld by the rise in the women labor force participation percentage and the total volume of working hours. Between 1961 and 1973, productivity growth was about 2.9% per annum, and 1973 onwards it was about 1.4% per annum on an average. Such development has helped in keeping the unemployment rate low. Since 1970, the unemployment rate has remained contained and below 5.5% for more than two sequential years. Such a stable and prolonged period resulted in a decline in unemployment among black as well as Hispanics people. This period also witnessed an increase in the low-paying retail trade industry which accounted for about 25% of growth in jobs as well.