Stephen Ratner

Jobs in the Developed World

Peter Passell, Dean Baker, Bethann Bovino, Diana Farrell, Kevin Hassett, Stephen Ratner

Six economists convened to analyze the persistent divergence between U.S. economic recovery and historical norms, where unemployment remains high and labor force participation has hit a 35-year low. The panel debated causes ranging from aggregate demand failures and long-term unemployment stigma to structural skills mismatches, ultimately converging on the need for policy shifts such as federal work-sharing, immigration reform, and portable benefits. Speakers warned that without addressing these entrenched issues, the U.S. risks a permanently reduced productive capacity and deepening inequality.