The Problem of Teenage Unemployment.

The study examines teenage unemployment within an historical, theoretical, and empirical context. Explanations for trends in unemployment and labor force participation are analyzed in terms of economic theory and the mechanisms by which these factors might operate in labor markets. It is demonstrated that the trend of increasing unemployment began during the 1950's and has not affected white males eighteen-nineteen. Substantial evidence is presented to argue that the lack of correspondence between any teenage age-sex-color group and a relevant labor market is so great that regression analysis based on aggregated labor market data is very unreliable. Turnover, or other such "voluntary" unemployment explanations currently in vogue, are found to explain little of the increase in unemployment or unemployment differentials among teenage groups. Far more important are involuntary unemployment explanations, especially the rapid mechanization of agriculture and the minimum wage. Even with no minimum wage unemployment for nonwhite teenagers would still present a substantial problem. (Aughor)