Changes in labour force composition

Watch the video and then summarise what you have learned.

Two other notable labour force developments both linked to the demographic transition are likely to affect trade flows, a rising share of educated workers and increased female labour force participation.

The following section examines these trends in more detail and then explores the channels through which they can affect comparative advantage and trade patterns.

Over the last 60 years, education levels have increased substantially in most countries. Using data from 146 countries show that over the period from 1950 to 2010, the average number of years of schooling among individuals aged 15 or over increased from 2.1 to 7.1 in developing countries, and from 6.2 to 11 in developed countries.