Adult Men in the United States Who Don't Work

The number of men age 25–54 who don't have jobs has more than tripled in the last seventy years.
Sources: 1, 2
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+10
Level ∞
Sep 26, 2021
I think this chart illustrates how, despite the official unemployment numbers, the economic situation today is much worse than it use to be. There are simply a lot more people who can't work or won't work than there used to be. For a long time, this wasn't a huge problem because women joined the workforce in huge numbers. But now that the increase in female labor participation has leveled off, we will have to deal with many fewer workers supporting many more dependents.
+15
Level 74
Sep 27, 2021
Nice thumbnail
+2
Level 32
Sep 27, 2021
What does this have to do with trivia? Yes the official unemployment leaves out people who were not able to find a job quick enough and that is why it is a very imperfect economic indicator just like the point you are making. Admit you are spitballing with this, you put a video game controller in thumbnail. Better economic indicators are productivity and wages. Productivity keeps going up while wages have not budged since the 80's. The US is one of the only countries without mandatory paid sick and maternity leave. Based on a little research, while everyone among developed countries is working less than 50+ years ago, the US is working the most now and has usually been and paid time off is a major reason. Other developed countries have massive union membership to the point in places like Finland where they do not need a minimum wage. Iceland is heading towards a 4 day work week.
+3
Level 32
Sep 27, 2021
The problem with the economy is not people with no money and no power
+2
Level ∞
Feb 12, 2024
Actually, it is.

The goal of the economy should be to create meaningful, high-paying jobs for everyone.

An economy based on windfall rewards for the rich and welfare for everyone else is sick.

+4
Level 75
Oct 4, 2021
The fact is, given consistent increases in productivity thanks to technology, that we don't need everyone to work 40+ hours per week. We can fulfill all of societies basic needs with much less. The problem is that work is so fetishized that we look down on anyone who does not appear to be constantly on the verge on burning out. We'd be a lot farther ahead if we made sure that all work paid fairly, provided reasonable public support when needed, and then encouraged people to take time to enjoy other pursuits, both on a weekly and annual basis.
+2
Level 63
Jan 9, 2022
we could be so productive and comfortable if we allowed automation to take over low skill jobs, but i dont think it will happen considering how expensive it is to be alive