Chapter 21: Problem 27

What is structural unemployment? Give examples of structural unemployment.

Short Answer

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Structural unemployment is a long-term form of unemployment caused by a mismatch between workers' skills and the skills required by employers. It can occur due to technological advancements, geographical mismatches between job availability and worker location, and shifts in industry trends. Examples include unemployed manufacturing workers due to automation, workers in small towns unable to relocate to urban areas with more job opportunities, and coal miners unable to transition to growing industries such as renewable energy.

Step by step solution

Define Structural Unemployment

Structural unemployment refers to a form of unemployment that results from a mismatch between the skills that workers possess and the skills demanded by employers. This type of unemployment can occur due to changes in the economy, technological advancements, or other factors which create a disconnect between the available workforce and the jobs that need to be filled. Structural unemployment is a longer-term problem and is not related to temporary economic fluctuations.

Types of Unemployment

It's important to clarify the difference between structural unemployment and other types of unemployment. There are three main types of unemployment: cyclical, frictional, and structural. Cyclical unemployment occurs due to economic fluctuations and is temporary, frictional unemployment is a result of people transitioning between jobs, and structural unemployment, as we already described, arises from a mismatch between workers' skills and job requirements.

Example 1: Technological Advancements

One source of structural unemployment is the rapid advancement of technology. As industries implement new technologies, the demand for employees with advanced technical skills increases. Workers with obsolete skills who are unable to adapt to these changes may be forced out of the labor market, resulting in structural unemployment. For instance, the rise of automated machinery has replaced many traditional manufacturing jobs, leaving people with outdated skills unemployed.

Example 2: Geographical Mismatch

Another example of structural unemployment is when there is a geographical mismatch between where jobs are available and where potential workers reside. For example, if a factory shuts down in a small town and the workers are unable or unwilling to relocate to urban centers where job opportunities may be more abundant, structural unemployment occurs.

Example 3: Shifts in Industry

Structural unemployment can also result from shifts in industry trends. As certain industries grow and others decline, workers may find themselves without the necessary skills to transition to the expanding sectors. For example, the decline of the coal mining industry has led to unemployment for many workers who don't possess the skills to find employment in growing industries, such as renewable energy or technology. To summarize, structural unemployment is a type of unemployment resulting from a mismatch between worker skills and job requirements. It can be caused by factors such as technological advancements, geographical mismatches, and shifts in industry trends.