Data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth show that the lack of affordable, reliable child care was the reason an estimated 1.1 million young mothers did not seek or hold a job in 1986. One-third of those mothers not in the labor force because of child care problems also lacked high school diplomas. (SK)

Data from the National Longitudinal Survey show that most employed mothers rely on relatives for child care, particularly low-income mothers. Weekly expenditures averaged $45 for older mothers to $60 for younger mothers. Lower-income women were more likely to have gaps in employment because of child care problems. (SK)

This study concludes that older workers do not have especially high unemployment rates, but when they become unemployed, they are less likely to find a job and more likely to leave the labor force in discouragement. (Author/SSH)

This article argues that in the upcoming decades, older workers will be competing against the largest cohort of middle-aged workers in our country's history. In the absence of other options, the elderly may feel increased pressure to retire or work part time. (Author/SSH)