Chapter 8: Problem 32

If many workers become discouraged from looking for jobs, explain how the number of jobs could decline but the unemployment rate could fall at the same time.

Short Answer

Expert verified

When a large number of workers become discouraged and stop looking for jobs, they are no longer considered part of the labor force and aren't counted as unemployed. This withdrawal from the labor force could lead to a decrease in the number of jobs available, as employers may have difficulty filling job vacancies. Simultaneously, the unemployment rate may fall because the total labor force and number of unemployed individuals decrease. This seemingly contradictory situation occurs because discouraged workers are not counted in the labor force or as unemployed, which skews the unemployment rate calculations.

Step by step solution

Understand the labor force

The labor force is composed of people who are either employed or actively searching for a job. It's essential to understand that the individuals who are discouraged and not looking for jobs are not considered part of the labor force.

Understand employment and unemployment

Employment refers to the number of people who have jobs, while unemployment refers to people who are jobless, actively seeking work, and available to start working. The unemployment rate is calculated as the number of unemployed individuals divided by the total labor force and is usually expressed as a percentage.

Explain the situation when workers get discouraged to look for jobs

When there's a large number of workers who are discouraged to look for jobs, they withdraw from the labor force since they are not actively looking for work. As they are no longer considered part of the labor force, they are not counted as unemployed individuals either.

Analyze the effect on the number of jobs

When people withdraw from the labor force, it could lead to a decrease in the number of jobs. Fewer people searching for work could result in employers having difficulty filling job vacancies, which might eventually lead to a lower number of positions available.

Analyze the effect on the unemployment rate

The unemployment rate is calculated based on the number of unemployed people as a percentage of the labor force. When discouraged workers leave the labor force, the total labor force decreases, and so does the number of unemployed individuals, since these discouraged workers are no longer counted as unemployed. This leads to a decrease in the unemployment rate, even if the number of jobs has declined.

Conclusion

The phenomenon of many workers becoming discouraged from looking for jobs can lead to a decline in the number of jobs and a fall in the unemployment rate. This seemingly contradictory situation occurs because discouraged workers are not counted as part of the labor force or as unemployed, which skews the unemployment rate calculations.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!