Upjohn Author ORCID Identifier
Publication Date
3-29-2012
Series
Upjohn Institute Technical Report No. 12-027
DOI
10.17848/tr12-027
Abstract
Labor force participation is a key social indicator because the economic performance of a state and the well-being of its residents are closely tied to labor force outcomes. Together, the labor force participation rate (LFPR) and the unemployment rate are of paramount concern to state governments because living standards and consumption are so closely tied to work and earnings from employment.
Mississippi has historically had one of the lowest LFPRs in the United States.
The purpose of this report is threefold:
• to describe the LFPR gap between Mississippi and other Southern states during the last 35 years
• to describe key differences between Mississippi and other Southern states — such as place of residence, educational attainment, racial composition, and receipt of government transfers — that might contribute to the LFPR gap between Mississippi and other Southern states
• to analyze and draw conclusions about the reasons for the LFPR gap between Mississippi and other Southern states
Issue Date
March 2012
Note
Authors assisted by Jing Cai, Francesca Fazio, and Brian Pittelko
Sponsorship
The Mississippi Governor's Office
Subject Areas
LABOR MARKET ISSUES
Citation
Lachowska, Marta and Stephen A. Woodbury with the assistance of Jing Cai, Francesca Fazio, and Brian Pittelko. 2012. "Labor Force Participation in Mississippi and other Southern States: Final Report." Upjohn Institute Technical Report No. 12-027 Kalamazoo, MI: W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research. https://doi.org/10.17848/tr12-027