Downward Trend in Female Workforce Participation
A recent New York Times article reported that the economic downturn has had the same negative impact on the female members of the workforce as it has had on male employees. The article describes that this is the first time since the women’s movement that the same percentage of women at work has fallen, instead of rising, as compared to men.
At first, economists attributed the drop-off to women deciding to stay home to raise families or maintain a home. However, economists now believe that women are reacting as men have to the slowing economy by dropping out and waiting for more favorable financial conditions.
The study, initiated by the Joint Economic Committee of Congress, cites the evidence that women are leaving the workforce “on par with men,” and believes the situation holds “potentially disastrous consequences for families.”
