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Contributing Scholar: David Neumark

Help Really Wanted? The Impact of Age Stereotypes in Job Ads

As the United States faces potential long-term labor shortages from an aging population and declining birth rates, it becomes ever more important to combat age discrimination in the form of subtle language used in job ads so that we may fully leverage the experience and skills of older Americans in the workforce.

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Help Really Wanted? The Impact of Age Stereotypes in Job Ads

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Published June 20, 2024

The United States faces potential long-term labor shortages as aging Americans retire with no one to replace them thanks, in large part, to declining birth rates. To make matters worse, employers have been found to use subtle yet discriminatory language in job ads, discouraging older workers from even applying for jobs and remaining part of the labor force. Not only is age discrimination illegal and completely at odds with American principles of equal opportunity, it threatens the stability of social safety nets and economic stability. Combating such discrimination is critical to leverage the skills of older Americans who wish to remain in the workforce, boost the well-being and financial security for older workers, and support nationwide economic prosperity.

Check Out More from David Neumark:

Read David Neumark's Wall Street Journal op-ed, "California's Crazy 'Fast Food' Minimum Wage Takes Effect" here.
Listen to David Neumark's interview on California's $20/hr minimum wage increase for fast-food workers on Chicago's Morning Answer with Dan Proft & Amy Jacobson here.

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