Fact Check: More than three-quarters of mothers with dependent children have paid jobs.
What We Know
The claim that "more than three-quarters of mothers with dependent children have paid jobs" is supported by data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). According to the Employment Characteristics of Families - 2024, 78.0% of mothers whose youngest child at home was between the ages of 6 to 17 participated in the labor force, which includes those who are working or actively looking for work. This statistic indicates a significant level of employment among mothers with older children.
Moreover, the data shows that even among mothers with younger children (under age 6), the participation rate is substantial at 68.3% (source-2). Additionally, a blog post from the Department of Labor highlights that approximately 74% of mothers with children under 18 are working in the labor force (source-3). This reinforces the claim that a large majority of mothers are employed.
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim comes from reputable sources, primarily the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which is a reliable authority on employment statistics. The BLS data is derived from the Current Population Survey, a well-established survey that provides accurate labor force statistics. The claim is further corroborated by additional reports from the Department of Labor, which consistently show high labor force participation rates among mothers.
However, it is important to note that while the claim is accurate, the specific percentage may vary slightly depending on the age of the children and the definitions used (e.g., "dependent children" can vary in interpretation). The statistics indicate that while the claim holds true for mothers of children aged 6 to 17, it is also significant for those with younger children, albeit at a lower percentage.
The source reliability is high, as the BLS and the Department of Labor are government agencies that provide data based on extensive research and statistical analysis. There are no apparent biases in the reporting of these statistics, as they are presented in a straightforward manner without advocacy for a particular viewpoint.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that more than three-quarters of mothers with dependent children have paid jobs is substantiated by credible data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Department of Labor. The statistics indicate that 78.0% of mothers with children aged 6 to 17 are participating in the labor force, which supports the assertion that a significant majority of mothers are employed.
