This article discusses employment trends in retail trade as well as in key industry groups since 1973. In addition, it explores the changing demographic, occupational, and earnings characteristics of retail trade workers, as well as the incidence of self-employment in the industry. (Author/CT)

Presents statistics on demographic trends, labor force trends, and income which shows that since 1970 about 60 percent of the increase in the number of American families in which women have the main economic and social responsibilities has been among divorcees; the income of one-third of these families remains below the poverty level. (Editor/TA)

Describes characteristics of persons living in central cities, suburbs, and nonmetropolitan areas, and discusses the labor force problems of Whites, Blacks, and persons of Hispanic origin; the employment opportunities reflected by an area's occupational and industry composition; and the journey-to-work pattern and its effect on earnings. (BM)