Underemployment
Underemployment is a term used to describe a situation in which a worker is employed but not working to their full potential. This could mean that they are working fewer hours than they would like, or that they are working in a job that does not make full use of their skills and qualifications. It is a form of unemployment that is often overlooked, but can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life and economic security.
History of Underemployment
The concept of underemployment has been around for centuries, but it was not until the early 20th century that it began to be studied in earnest. In the 1930s, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics began to track underemployment as part of its monthly labor force survey. Since then, the concept has been studied extensively, and is now recognized as an important indicator of economic health.
In recent years, the concept of underemployment has become increasingly important as the global economy has shifted from a manufacturing-based economy to a service-based economy. This shift has led to an increase in the number of people who are underemployed, as many jobs in the service sector are lower-paying and offer fewer hours than those in the manufacturing sector.
Comparison Table
Type of Employment | Hours Worked | Pay |
---|---|---|
Full-Time | 40+ Hours/Week | Above Average |
Part-Time | Less than 40 Hours/Week | Below Average |
Underemployment | Fewer Hours than Desired | Below Average |
Summary
Underemployment is a form of unemployment that is often overlooked, but can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life and economic security. It is a situation in which a worker is employed but not working to their full potential, either because they are working fewer hours than they would like or because they are working in a job that does not make full use of their skills and qualifications. For more information on underemployment, visit the US Bureau of Labor Statistics website or the International Labour Organization website.
See Also
- Unemployment
- Employment
- Labor Force
- Job Security
- Job Satisfaction
- Job Market
- Job Search
- Job Creation
- Job Training
- Job Loss