Final answer:
Exact numbers for self-employment in 1979 are not provided in the material; historical data from that year's Bureau of Labor Statistics or U.S. Census Bureau would be required to answer the student's question.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question regarding how many people were self-employed in 1979 pertains to historical labor and economic data. Although the information provided does not specify the number of self-employed individuals in 1979, it indicates significant economic transitions during that period, such as the loss of factory jobs, an increase in unemployment, and changes in the structure of employment with the rise of part-time and contract labor. The materials reference the decline of union membership and the influx of married women into the workforce, mostly in low-paying service sector jobs. The data does touch upon the Great Recession and the dynamics of the U.S. economy, mentioning the estimated closure of approximately 170,000 small businesses and the shifting size of firms in the economy.
However, to accurately answer how many people were self-employed in 1979, one would need to consult historical data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or the U.S. Census Bureau from that specific year, as these organizations track employment statistics including self-employment. Since the provided information does not include specific numbers from 1979, we're unable to provide an exact answer to the student's question.