Labor participation of single mothers: A comparison of economic stability factors of Black and White American single mothers in metropolitan areas in northeastern America from 1976 to 2005

This research focused on labor force participation rates of single Black and White American mothers within metropolitan areas and factors that may have influenced labor participation. The geographical area of study included states located within the northeastern section of the United States. Using labor data from the Bureau of Labor for the years 1976 to 2005, the research focused on the gaps between Black and White American single mothers in labor market participation, number of children, education, employment characteristics, and the likelihood of being above or below poverty levels. Single mothers were chosen because of perceived existing research gaps in the investigation of economic differences between Black and White American single mothers in the Northeastern section of the U.S. Results were that there were noticeable gaps between Black and White American single mothers regardless of education and geography; Black American single mothers were more likely to be below poverty levels than their White American counterparts would. Job decentralization continued to contribute to both economic challenges of metropolitan businesses in their quest to maintain stability and for urban individuals looking for local employment. Transitioning untapped labor groups, such as single mothers in metropolitan areas, will help support local businesses in addressing geography issues and labor shortages.