Often dubbed the "mancession," the latest economic downfall hit men harder than women. At its worst, the unemployment rate for men surged to 11.4% in October 2009, while for women it went no higher than 8.9%.
Much of that trend can be explained by steep job losses in manufacturing, construction and finance -- all sectors still dominated by men. Industries with a higher concentration of women -- like health care and education -- actually added jobs.
Now that job creation is revving up again, men have more to gain. America could be in for a "manly" recovery, according to Bill Rodgers, chief economist for the Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University.
Current unemployment rates:Men: 9.4%
Women: 8.4%
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