TRENDS IN LABOR-MARKET POSITION FOR PUERTO-RICANS ON THE MAINLAND - 1970-1987

Social and economic indicators for the Puerto Rican population on the US mainland showed continued decline in status during the 1970s and early 1980s. Using data from the 1970 and 1980 census and the 1987 Current Population Survey, this article presents and discusses the trends behind the shift in the position of Puerto Ricans. Changes in labor force participation, employment and average earnings for Puerto Rican males and females during the 1970s and the 1980s are discussed with attention to nativity and gender differentials. Results show that the decline in socioeconomic status is not a universal trend within the Puerto Rican population. Those born in Puerto Rico, males, those without high school education, and those above age 55 seem to face a critical situation. The experience of Puerto Rican males is different from that of females in that they continue to exhibit declining rates of labor force participation. On the other hand, there has been an increase in the representation of Puerto Ricans in the professional occupations. Structural changes in the economy have contributed to polarize the Puerto Rican labor force into skilled and nonskilled groups with the latter group rapidly withdrawing from the labor force.