Why young and old men are leaving the labor force at record rates

Labor Department data released in April showed U.S. male labor force participation at its lowest level since the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Only 67% of men aged 16 and older were working or actively seeking employment, down from 73.5% two decades earlier. The decline is particularly sharp among baby-boomer retirees and younger men who are disabled, sick, or enrolled in education, though economists note these factors are not all cause for economic concern. The shift reflects broader labor market changes, with job growth concentrated in female-dominated sectors like healthcare and education, while male-dominated industries such as manufacturing, transportation, and mining have seen job losses. Betsey Stevenson, a University of Michigan economics professor, highlighted the growing disconnect, noting that many men are disappearing entirely from the workforce without clear ties to education, caregiving, or employment. Marko Dolan, a 57-year-old former civil servant from Rockville, Maryland, exemplifies this trend. He retired in March 2025 after the Trump administration’s overhaul of federal foreign aid programs left him disillusioned, though he remains unemployed despite qualifying for supplemental income. Dolan, who cares for his disabled daughter, struggles with re-entering the workforce, though he is considering teaching. Economists and policymakers warn that the decline in male labor participation could dampen economic growth by reducing consumer spending, tax revenue, and workforce availability. Immigration restrictions, low birth rates, and aging demographics are exacerbating labor shortages, prompting concerns across the political spectrum. California Governor Gavin Newsom convened leaders in March to address rising loneliness and disconnection among young men, while the Trump administration has emphasized job creation for U.S.-born workers. White House officials countered claims of a labor crisis, citing near-90% participation among men aged 25–64 and stable unemployment rates. However, a Washington Post analysis found that men out of the workforce are increasingly likely to live with their parents and have never married, signaling deeper social and economic challenges.