The line graph illustrates the proportion of employed men and women aged between 18 and 34 in Australia over a 35-year period, commencing from 1976.
Overall, it is clear that men were more likely to work as they grew older, while the reverse was true for their counterparts in both years. Although the figure for employed females below 20 years old accounted for higher shares than those for males, the corresponding figure for those aged over 20 years old lagged significantly behind. Notably, men aged 34 recorded the highest percentage of employment throughout the period, whereas no women preferred working at this age.
The employment rate of men witnessed an upward trend. In 1976, the figure stood at approximately 55% among 18-year-olds, followed by a steady increase to just below 70% by the age of 22. Despite some fluctuations, the figure went on rising significantly, reaching a peak of 80% by the age of 34. Likewise, a relatively identical pattern was observed in 2011, albeit lower. The corresponding figure started at just over 40% and grew substantially to roughly 70% by the age of 34.
In stark contrast, the employment rate of women experienced a downward trend with age, decreasing as they grew older. Around 50% of females worked at the age of 18 in 1976, compared with roughly 40% in 2011. The former decreased gradually to about 47% at the age of 23, followed by a sharp fall to 0% by the end of the period. Similarly, the latter initially dropped to approximately 45% by the age of 22 and then recovered considerably before continuing to decrease dramatically to 0% by the age of 34.