SI
SI
discoversearch

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor.  We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community.  If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.
Pastimes : Clown-Free Zone... sorry, no clowns allowed
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  
To: Secret_Agent_Man who wrote (273273)1/9/2004 1:37:38 PM
From: GraceZ  Read Replies (2) of 436258
 
I'd say that the household survey gets pretty close to the real number if you agree with the government's definition of unemployed. Many people disagree with that definition.

I don't agree or disagree with their definition. I think it's pretty damned difficult to measure something like the desire for work. A more meaningful number might be the labor participation level primarily because it gives you a better picture as to whether or not people are moving in or out of the workforce. But even that is open to subjective interpretation. A higher participation might mean mothers with small children are being forced into the work force against their desire to stay home or it may mean grandpa is a greeter at Walmart when he'd rather be playing golf. A high participation rate could mean that the jobs are so attractive that people who might be structurally unemployed are drawn into the workforce. A low participation rate might mean one spouse makes so much money that the other can stay home. But what it does tell us is whether or not people are driven to work and whether or not the economy is able to accommodate that desire.

I do know that the US workers work more hours in comparison to the higher tax more socialist countries. High taxes tend to reduce the desire to work on the margin.
Report TOU ViolationShare This Post
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  

HomeMailHotSubjectMarksPeopleMarksKeepersSettings
Terms Of UseContact UsCopyright/IP PolicyPrivacy PolicyAbout UsFAQAdvertise on SI
© 2025 Knight Sac Media.  Data provided by Twelve Data, Alpha Vantage, and CityFALCON News