Final answer:
Unemployment caused by a mismatch in qualifications and employer needs is referred to as structural unemployment. It arises from shifts in industry, technology, or location of jobs, and differs from frictional and cyclical unemployment, which are due to job transitions and economic downturns.
Step-by-step explanation:
Unemployment that results from a mismatch between worker qualifications and the characteristics employers require is called structural unemployment. This type of unemployment is a result of the labor market's inflexibility where jobs available don't match the skills or locations of the job seekers. It can be a consequence of technological changes, educational inadequacies, or geographic disparities.
Let's apply this understanding to specific scenarios:
- Landscapers laid off due to a downturn in housing construction during a recession would be experiencing cyclical unemployment, which is related to the business cycle and economic downturns.
- Coal miners losing jobs because of EPA regulations are facing structural unemployment, as the industry changes due to regulatory impacts.
- A financial analyst leaving a job in Chicago to pursue similar work in Arizona would be an example of frictional unemployment, which occurs during the transition between jobs.
- Printers laid off as companies shift to internet advertising are also dealing with structural unemployment, driven by technological evolution and changes in industry practices.
- Factory workers laid off as plants relocate to Mexico and Ireland are facing structural unemployment due to globalization and shifts in the business strategy of their employers.
Understanding these different types of unemployment is crucial for addressing them effectively and assisting those affected.