Scott Alexander explores the puzzling lack of GDP impact from women's significant entry into the workforce, considering various explanations and economic implications.
Longer summary
Scott Alexander examines the puzzling lack of impact on GDP trends despite women's significant entry into the workforce between 1935 and 1985. He explores possible explanations, including data inaccuracies, low-resolution data, substitution of unpaid labor, or contradictions to economic theory. The post also addresses whether women's workforce participation lowered male wages, drawing parallels to debates about immigrant labor. Scott notes the absence of evidence for wage depression and expresses confusion about the economic implications of this major labor force change.
Shorter summary