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This is a big change in economy and society that has not gotten much attention. The percentage of employed 16-19-yr-olds is only about 25 percent, down from 40-50 pct during the 1980's and 1990's. Also according to the article, the situation is even a little worse than the 25 pct figure suggests. Teenagers who have jobs often get them through family connections. Hence those from poor families who need jobs the most, get them the least.
There are a few obvious reasons for this change. Doubtless as wealth increases, some kids will choose not to work because they don't have to. Still I think that for any teen there is a natural (and healthy) impulse to get some independence from Dad & Mom's money.
The biggest factor would appear to be immigration. All the jobs that I could get as a kid--fast food jobs, landscaping, janitorial, etc.--are now dominated by immigrants. Another factor is the minimum wage, and the constant efforts by democrats to raise it, along with various do-gooder effort to increase 'child labor' regulations.
What do you think will be the consequences for the future of the US economy from this change?
I see that as a good thing. I didn't need to have a job until I had a masters degree (and I was 22 at the time). The focus was entirely on building a career, not flipping burgers.
It's been moving in that direction for a while.
The emphasis, at least since the mid-80s has been for teens to concentrate on school, extra-curriculars and other activities that will beef up their college apps. Volunteering has taken the place of paid employment for many in that age group.
And, it is one more thing that parents have strived to provide for their children - the ability to not have to work as teens.
In my area, the deck is stacked against those kids who do want to work.
Many of the traditional employers - retail, fast-food - will not hire anyone under 18 now and many won't hire anyone who cannot work any available shift or full-time.
It is a real Catch-22.
All I look about & see... is
"People" with jobs & are paying taxes are the rarity.
Wonder if the country can still keep going like that???
P.S. bearing in mind not only the other % NOT paying taxes & receiving welfare...
Then we have the non-working spouse (child rearing or not), and what about the children...
Then the retirees????
Nice numbers.
It's definitely getting harder for teens, at least where I live. My older daughter was easily able to nab a summer job (we live in a tourist destination) but her younger sister (7 years between them) is having a hard time finding one.
Most of the traditional teen types of jobs are now taken by adults. I was at the local McDonald's yesterday and there was not a teen to be seen. it was all adults, and not immigrant adults, we really don't have many immigrants here.
What about the fact that many of the jobs that used to be done by teenagers are now done more cheaply by illegal immigrants? The fast food restaurants near me are full of illegals, but not many American teenagers behind the cashier. It's a shame.
What about the fact that many of the jobs that used to be done by teenagers are now done more cheaply by illegal immigrants? The fast food restaurants near me are full of illegals, but not many American teenagers behind the cashier. It's a shame.
How do you know they are illegal? Is it that the skin is too brown,do they speak spanish or that accent you last heard on a cruise to Aruba, or is the accent French (aha Haitian), in some areas like the mid-Atlantic they sound like Natasha and Boris. Lastly does the haboob give it away? Ask yourself what do young American teenagers bring to the job anymore? It can't be wisdom and knowledge. All a high school dipolma represents in most American school districts is a attendence certificate it has nothing to say as to literacy or math skills.
This is a big change in economy and society that has not gotten much attention. The percentage of employed 16-19-yr-olds is only about 25 percent, down from 40-50 pct during the 1980's and 1990's. Also according to the article, the situation is even a little worse than the 25 pct figure suggests. Teenagers who have jobs often get them through family connections. Hence those from poor families who need jobs the most, get them the least.
There are a few obvious reasons for this change. Doubtless as wealth increases, some kids will choose not to work because they don't have to. Still I think that for any teen there is a natural (and healthy) impulse to get some independence from Dad & Mom's money.
The biggest factor would appear to be immigration. All the jobs that I could get as a kid--fast food jobs, landscaping, janitorial, etc.--are now dominated by immigrants. Another factor is the minimum wage, and the constant efforts by democrats to raise it, along with various do-gooder effort to increase 'child labor' regulations.
What do you think will be the consequences for the future of the US economy from this change?
Bingo. These jobs are mostly held by immigrants.
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