You might know a woman who supports a man without a job. You may have even been in that situation. What used to be a hidden issue is now a noticeable trend in economic data, and the Federal Reserve has noticed.
As of early 2026, women in the U.S. hold more payroll jobs than men, a shift that has occurred a few times but has always reverted back. Laura Ullrich, a former economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, studied this phenomenon. She believes this shift is different from previous ones. “It seems like more of a permanent change, not just due to a recession,” she told Fortune.
The Stats Behind the Shift
Back in the early ’90s, men held nearly 7 million more jobs than women. Over the years, that gap has closed. Recent data shows men lost about 142,000 jobs in the past year, while women gained 298,000. Of the 1.2 million jobs created from February 2024 to February 2026, roughly two-thirds went to women.
Looking at labor force participation since 1948, men’s rate has dropped from 86.7% to 67.2%. In contrast, women’s numbers jumped from 32% to 57.2%.
Understanding the Trend
Both men’s and women’s participation rates are lower than in 2000. However, men’s rates are decreasing faster. Before Covid, the male participation rate was 69.2%, but it has dropped to 67.2%, while women’s rate has only seen a slight decline.
Ullrich points out that fewer young men are entering the workforce than their fathers did at the same age. More men now live with parents for longer periods, which adds to the financial burden on those around them.
Interestingly, a major study revealed that around 70% of the hours young men aren’t working are spent on video games and leisure activities, highlighting a shift in lifestyle choices.
The job market paints a clear picture. Health care, which is predominantly female, added 1.8 million jobs between 2023 and 2025, while male-dominated fields like manufacturing have either stagnated or shrunk. The occupational landscape is changing, with women already trained for jobs in growing fields.
What Lies Ahead
Economist Richard Reeves notes we may need to develop strategies to encourage men to enter fields like health care, education, and psychology. Currently, there’s little movement toward this goal, and fewer men seem interested in making the shift.
Ullrich suggests that this downward trend in male participation isn’t showing any signs of reversal. It’s more like a one-way door. The idea of the stay-at-home boyfriend is no longer just a social media trend; it’s now an economic reality. The woman often helping him financially is becoming a significant part of the economy.
This shift shows how labor dynamics are evolving. As certain sectors grow, it’s clear that women’s contributions to the workforce are essential for the nation’s economic future.
For more insights into labor trends, you can check out the Federal Reserve’s data on labor force participation.
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Economics,Employment,gender issues,Labor,Workforce
