The correct answer is: sectoral shifts are always happening. Gwen is an unpaid worker in her family’s restaurant. The Bureau of Labor Statistics counts Gwen as
a. a marginally attached worker.
b. unemployed and in the labor force.
c. a discouraged worker.
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is: b. unemployed and in the labor force.
Explanation:
Gwen is an unpaid worker in her family’s restaurant, but she is still actively working in the economy. To understand why she would be considered “unemployed and in the labor force,” it’s important to review the definitions used by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
1. Labor Force Participation:
The BLS defines the labor force as all individuals who are either employed or unemployed but actively seeking work. This means that Gwen, by working at her family’s restaurant—even if unpaid—is participating in the labor force because she is involved in work activities. Being in the labor force is determined by whether an individual is engaged in work (paid or unpaid) or is actively looking for a job.
2. Unemployment:
According to the BLS, someone is considered unemployed if they are not currently working but are actively seeking work. In this case, Gwen is working (even if she’s not earning wages), so she would not be classified as “not in the labor force.” However, since she is working in a family business and is not receiving any pay, she does not fit the definition of “employed” either. But because she is still working, she would be counted as “unemployed and in the labor force.”
Other options:
- a. A marginally attached worker: This term refers to individuals who are not working and are not actively looking for work but are available for work. Gwen is working, so she is not a marginally attached worker.
- c. A discouraged worker: A discouraged worker is someone who is not actively seeking work because they have stopped looking for a job due to belief that no jobs are available. Since Gwen is working, this category does not apply.
Therefore, Gwen’s situation fits the definition of being unemployed and in the labor force.