Historical trends, 1950-92, and current uncertainties

Abstract

Ronald E. Kutscher is Associate Commissioner, Office of Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics. The employment bor trends Statistics important projections labor force, for the are economic, Bureau better underof and Labor Statistics labor force, economic, and employment projections are better understood if placed in historical perspective. To aid in that understanding, this article discusses important historical trends of the 1950-92 period. Because the 1992-2005 period will be affected not only by the historical trends, but also by more recent developments, it also presents economic and demographic uncertainties that currently exist which may have a significant impact in shaping the course of the future economy.