Question

Which of the following statements correctly describe discouraged workers? (If none of the choices apply, leave all of the checkboxes blank.) Check all that apply.

a.They are full-time workers who would like to work only part-time.
b.They have not looked for a job in 4 weeks (or longer), but they would like a job and are available for work.
c.They are dissatisfied with their current jobs and are considering quitting.
d.They are employed workers who want to earn higher wages.

Answer 1

Discouraged workers are individuals who have given up looking for work after an extended period, often due to repeated rejections or believing no suitable jobs exist. They're part of the bigger concept of hidden unemployment and are not counted in traditional labor statistics even though they wish to work and are available for employment. Option B is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

Discouraged workers are a group within the wider category of hidden unemployment, which includes those not counted in the official labor force statistics because they have given up looking for work due to various reasons such as the lack of suitable positions available. Specifically, the correct statement that describes discouraged workers is:

• They have not looked for a job in 4 weeks (or longer), but they would like a job and are available for work.

Discouraged workers may have stopped job hunting because of repeated rejections, a belief that no jobs are available, or they might simply feel that they lack the necessary skills or qualifications. This term does not apply to those who are employed in any capacity, whether they are satisfied with their job or not, or those who are involved in part-time work due to the inability to find full-time employment. Essentially, discouraged workers fall between the cracks of employment statistics and represent a significant aspect of hidden unemployment.