joblessness

Joblessness is the state of lacking paid employment. In economics, it is typically linked to unemployment: a person is considered unemployed if they are not working, are actively seeking work, and are available to take a job. The term can also be used more broadly to refer to persistent or long-term absence from the labor market.

Measurement centers on the unemployment rate, defined as the share of people in the labor force who are unemployed. The labor force includes those employed plus those unemployed who are actively seeking work. People not participating in the labor force, such as students or retirees, are not counted as unemployed. Other measures describe underemployment or long-term unemployment.

Causes of joblessness include cyclical factors from economic downturns, structural changes due to technology or globalization, skill mismatches, and demographic trends. Consequences span reduced income and consumption, increased poverty and inequality, and broader social and health impacts for individuals and communities.

Policy responses emphasize macroeconomic stabilization to support demand, and active labor market policies such as retraining, job placement services, wage subsidies, and apprenticeships. Social safety nets, unemployment insurance, and measures addressing structural barriers can reduce the duration of joblessness and improve reemployment prospects.

Joblessness varies by country, region, age, and gender, with youth and long-term unemployment often higher in recessions. Critics note limitations of official unemployment statistics, which may undercount discouraged workers or those in precarious or part-time roles. Nevertheless, joblessness remains a central indicator of economic health and social well-being.