Underemployment
Underemployment is a term used to describe a situation in which an individual is employed, but not in a job that fully utilizes their skills, education, or experience. This can include working part-time when an individual would prefer to work full-time, or working in a job that does not require the same level of education or experience as the individual has. Underemployment is often used as an indicator of economic health, as it can be an indication of a lack of job opportunities or a mismatch between the skills of the workforce and the needs of employers.
History of Underemployment
The concept of underemployment has been around since the early 20th century, when it was used to describe the situation of workers who were employed in jobs that did not fully utilize their skills or experience. In the 1930s, the term was used to describe the situation of workers who were employed in jobs that did not pay a living wage. In the 1950s, the term was used to describe the situation of workers who were employed in jobs that did not require the same level of education or experience as the individual had.
In the 1970s, the term was used to describe the situation of workers who were employed in jobs that did not provide the same level of benefits or job security as the individual had. In the 1980s, the term was used to describe the situation of workers who were employed in jobs that did not provide the same level of job satisfaction as the individual had. In the 1990s, the term was used to describe the situation of workers who were employed in jobs that did not provide the same level of job advancement as the individual had.
Comparison of Underemployment
| Type of Employment | Full-Time | Part-Time | Underemployment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hours per Week | 40+ | Less than 40 | Varies |
| Pay | Full-time salary | Part-time salary | Varies |
| Benefits | Full-time benefits | Part-time benefits | Varies |
| Job Security | Full-time job security | Part-time job security | Varies |
| Job Satisfaction | Full-time job satisfaction | Part-time job satisfaction | Varies |
| Job Advancement | Full-time job advancement | Part-time job advancement | Varies |
Summary
Underemployment is a term used to describe a situation in which an individual is employed, but not in a job that fully utilizes their skills, education, or experience. This can include working part-time when an individual would prefer to work full-time, or working in a job that does not require the same level of education or experience as the individual has. Underemployment is often used as an indicator of economic health, as it can be an indication of a lack of job opportunities or a mismatch between the skills of the workforce and the needs of employers. For more information about underemployment, visit the websites of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the International Labour Organization.
See Also
- Employment
- Unemployment
- Job Security
- Job Satisfaction
- Job Advancement
- Labor Force
- Labor Market
- Skills Mismatch
- Living Wage
- Economic Health
