ESTIMATING LABOR ABSORPTION WITH PUBLISHED DATA

Large population cohorts will need to be productively absorbed into the work force in coming years in order to provide for their old age. Appropriate data and techniques for measuring labour absorption have been scarce. This article suggests two techniques for analysing the data recommended with first priority for censuses by the United Nations. Censuses are used because virtually every country conducts a census while few can afford labour force surveys. Use of the techniques is illustrated for four countries