Instructions:Each reply must be at
least 100 words and include at least 1 citation in current APA format. Acceptable
sources include newspapers, periodicals, journals, textbooks, credible news
websites (NPR, BBC, etc.), and the Bible. Sources such as Wikipedia, About.com,
thebalance.com, book reviews, and blogs are prohibited.
Discussion board to respond too:
10 hours agoJonathan Comyn
COVID Impacts on Labor Force Participation
COLLAPSE
The labor force participation rate has been declining steadily since about 2000 when it peaked at 67.3%. This statistic is calculated by taking the country’s available workforce from age 16 and older who are currently employed or looking for work divided by the available people ages 16 or older. Most of the studies look at the male/female split in participation along with racial differences. A lot of the studies and articles I read are looking a long term trend or part of normal cycles. One study said “most of the decline in the LFPR since 2007 is due to ongoing structural influences, like persistent trends, rather than to cyclical weakness.” (Perez‐Arce 2021)
The impacts of the general trend are concerning however participation rate dropped to a low of 60.2% with the impacts of COVID. The participation rate has jumped back up to 61.6% however that is still off the upward trending before COVID where participation rate was at 63.4%. (Bureau of Labor Statistics) I feel this has accelerated the timeline that article we were given for this post.
I am deeply concerned about the participation rate of the eligible workforce. A lot of the literature points to an aging workforce. I believe that was true however the impacts of COVID and increased benefits from government programs are going to impact participation. The unprecedented nature of the pandemic I believe will show us in years to come that those who would leave the workforce anyways left it quicker. We will also continue to see the shift into the service economy as we continue to move forward. “Finally, several studies have found that the rise in inequality and shift in demand against less skilled workers in the United States are linked to the decline in labor force participation.” (Kruger 2017) This is the shift we are seeing especially where there is an increase in skills needed for most jobs.
As a Christian I believe we need to stay engaged in the workforce. “Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need” (Ephesians 4:28) We are responsible to help others and the only we do this is by our labor and creating money we can use to support others.
Citations:
Perez‐Arce, F.,