Final answer:
Since 2000, the workforce has become more diverse with more minorities and women, although white Americans are still the majority. Service jobs have risen, while manufacturing jobs declined, and there's no significant trend in unemployment rates. The gender wage gap persists, and immigration remains a key factor in the labor force.
Step-by-step explanation:
Demographic and Employment Changes Post-2000
As we approach the year 2020, significant demographic and employment changes are evident compared to the year 2000. The workforce has become increasingly diverse, with a notable increase in racial and ethnic groups. In 2012, white Americans comprised 78% of the population; projections indicate this will decrease to 69% by 2060, with a substantial rise in the proportion of Hispanic individuals. Women, who have been entering the workforce in significant numbers since the 1970s, are now advancing within their organizations, leading to a more gender-diverse workforce.
However, in terms of employment trends, there is no significant long-term upward or downward shift in unemployment rates, even as the U.S. population and proportion of adults in the workforce have dramatically increased. The economic landscape has shifted, with service jobs on the rise and manufacturing jobs declining since the late 1970s. Globalization and technological advances have influenced these trends, impacting how and where people work. Despite these shifts, overall job availability has not resulted in long-term increases in unemployment.
It's also important to address the gender wage gap, as women still earn only 81 percent of what men earn for equivalent positions, despite their increased presence and higher growth rate in wages over time. Immigration continues to play a significant role in the U.S. labor force, influencing job distribution and the workforce composition.
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