Manpower Planning, Occupational Education, and the Decision to Participate in the Labor Force. DASP Technical Paper No. 2.

The report examines the multiplicity of factors which influence the labor market activity of the population and explores the implications of changes in those influential factors with regard to manpower and educational planning policy. The first section contains the introduction to the problem, summary of factors affecting labor force participation, and implications for manpower and occupational education planners. In the second section, the authors outline two alternative models of labor market functioning and present an historical accounting of manpower and educational planning. Some manpower forecasting methods are reviewed as attempts to understand labor force behavior over time. The third section reviews the literature with particular reference to factors influencing the work decisions of: (1) women (marital status, earnings, education, presence of children, school attendance, training, education, and labor demand), (2) whites and minority groups (Negro and Spanish American), (3) older persons, and (4) people of varying educational attainment. Labor force turnover is examined briefly and conclusions are drawn concerning those variables most influential in the decision to participate in the work force. Policy implications of changes in labor market behavior are explored in the context of manpower and educational planning. A bibliography and technical appendix complete the report. (Author/JB)