There are many different theories on the state of the economy. One of the most controversial is the answer to 'How many Americans are unemployed?' Government figures are vigorously denied by talk show hosts and upheld by major media outlets. The average American may feel that the truth is unattainable. Therefore, each citizen may have their own subjective opinion.
Reports say that there are about 250,000 unemployed each month. However, since this figure is based on how many people apply for benefits, this may not truly reflect the actual number. Perhaps the report should cite how many are actively seeking a job and applying for benefits when unsuccessful. Those who have given up looking for a job they want to do go uncounted.
'Jobs created' is another, related figure that many distrust. For example, some government jobs last only a few weeks or months. Then the worker is 'laid off', only to be rehired in a few weeks for the same (but now 'new') job. This happened during the census, when hourly workers were terminated and then recalled periodically throughout the program.
The 'labor participation' numbers are revealingly low. It is reported that there are the same number of workers now as in the 1970s. This obviously has not kept pace with the growing population and is an indicator of high unemployment and a correspondingly weaker economy.
The increased number of people on public assistance also leads one to believe in high unemployment. People with a job can generally feed themselves, but there are more people on food stamps than ever before. Of course, this increase may be partly due to more leniency in the program and consequent abuse. People can use food stamp money for more than food now; they can even turn it into cash.
There are 'Help Wanted' signs in storefront windows, so this is not a depression-era problem. During the Great Depression, people would have been grateful for any job, no matter how boring or menial. Working at a fast-food restaurant or a dollar store may not appeal to a college graduate, but sometimes it's better to occupy the waking hours in any way possible.
The reasons for differing figures are political, of course. Sometimes it's necessary to look back ten years to get reliable numbers that have been adjusted for accuracy once they no longer affect public opinion. Current leaders strive to paint a rosy picture, while their opponents want voters to think that a change in leadership is needed. However, even current figures can give a clue. If the GDP is stagnant or going down, the economy can't be good or jobs plentiful.
Most jobs are created and sustained by small businesses, which have neither increased or expanded much in almost a decade. This may be the most significant way to gauge the plight of the American worker. Many believe that the true number of unemployed workers is much greater than indicated.
Reports say that there are about 250,000 unemployed each month. However, since this figure is based on how many people apply for benefits, this may not truly reflect the actual number. Perhaps the report should cite how many are actively seeking a job and applying for benefits when unsuccessful. Those who have given up looking for a job they want to do go uncounted.
'Jobs created' is another, related figure that many distrust. For example, some government jobs last only a few weeks or months. Then the worker is 'laid off', only to be rehired in a few weeks for the same (but now 'new') job. This happened during the census, when hourly workers were terminated and then recalled periodically throughout the program.
The 'labor participation' numbers are revealingly low. It is reported that there are the same number of workers now as in the 1970s. This obviously has not kept pace with the growing population and is an indicator of high unemployment and a correspondingly weaker economy.
The increased number of people on public assistance also leads one to believe in high unemployment. People with a job can generally feed themselves, but there are more people on food stamps than ever before. Of course, this increase may be partly due to more leniency in the program and consequent abuse. People can use food stamp money for more than food now; they can even turn it into cash.
There are 'Help Wanted' signs in storefront windows, so this is not a depression-era problem. During the Great Depression, people would have been grateful for any job, no matter how boring or menial. Working at a fast-food restaurant or a dollar store may not appeal to a college graduate, but sometimes it's better to occupy the waking hours in any way possible.
The reasons for differing figures are political, of course. Sometimes it's necessary to look back ten years to get reliable numbers that have been adjusted for accuracy once they no longer affect public opinion. Current leaders strive to paint a rosy picture, while their opponents want voters to think that a change in leadership is needed. However, even current figures can give a clue. If the GDP is stagnant or going down, the economy can't be good or jobs plentiful.
Most jobs are created and sustained by small businesses, which have neither increased or expanded much in almost a decade. This may be the most significant way to gauge the plight of the American worker. Many believe that the true number of unemployed workers is much greater than indicated.
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