5 Things Going On In The World The Last Time U.S. Labor Force Participation Was This Low

Today, we saw yet another jobs report that saw far too many people still struggling for work. In fact, the labor force participation rate was the lowest since August 1978. Both then and now, thirty-five years later, just 63.2 percent of Americans eligible to work are actually working.

It got us thinking: what else was going on in the world the last time the rate was this low.

Here are 5 things that were going on in the world the last time U.S. labor force participation was this low…

1. The Death Of Pope Paul VI

Pope Paul VI died at the age of 80 after serving as Pontiff for 15 years. His successor Pope John Paul I served for just 34 days and was followed by Pope John Paul II.

2. Grease Is The Word

A little movie set at Rydell High and starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John was the number one movie in the country.

3. Oprah’s First Talk Show Debuted

In August 1978, a local talk Baltimore talk show called “People Are Talking” debuted on WJZ. It was hosted by Richard Sher and a young news anchor named Oprah Winfrey.

4. Andy Samberg and Kobe Bryant Were Born 

That month also saw the birth of the inspiration behind SNL’s famous digital shorts and one of the greatest NBA players of his generation.

 5. A Darkness On The Edge Of Town

Bruce Springsteen was also in the thick of his legendary tour to promote his album “Darkness on the Edge of Town.” Here’s a performance from Baltimore on August 15th.