Canadian Megatrends, December 2015

Released: 2015-12-17

The surge of women in the workforce

One of the most substantial changes to the Canadian labour market over the past decades is the arrival, en masse, of women. In the early 1950s, about a quarter of Canadian women aged 25 to 54 participated in the labour force, meaning that they either had a job outside the home or were looking for one. By 2014, that rate had more than tripled to 82%.

This issue of Canadian Megatrends examines the movement of women into the workplace and its effect on the composition of Canada's labour market.

Six decades ago, almost every man aged 25 to 54 was in the labour force—96% of them to be exact. In 2014, that figure was down slightly to just over 90%.

Chart 1 
Labour force participation rates of men and women aged 25 to 54

Conversely, women increased their labour force participation, spurred by a combination of factors, including changing social norms regarding gender roles. As well, new technologies reduced the time needed to perform certain household chores, families were having fewer children, and jobs in the service sector—which typically employs many women—became more predominant.

The median annual wages and salaries of women rose in tandem with their participation rate, as many chose to work full time and moved into better paying jobs.

Products

The article "The surge of women in the workforce," which is part of Canadian Megatrends (Catalogue number11-630-X), is now available from The Daily module of our website.

Contact information

For more information, contact us (toll-free 1-800-263-1136; 514-283-8300; STATCAN.infostats-infostats.STATCAN@canada.ca).

To enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact René Morissette (613-951-3608), Social Analysis and Modelling Division.