2. As shown in Figure 14-3, the overall labor-force participation rate of men declined between 1970 and 1990. This overall decline reflects different patterns for different age groups, however, as shown in the following table.

MEN MEN MEN ALLMEN 16–24 25–54 55 AND OVER 1970 80% 69% 96% 56%

1990 76 72 93 40 Which group experienced the largest decline? Given this information, what factor may have played an important role in the decline in overall male labor-force participation over this period?