Introduction to underemployment measurement

Abstract

Underemployment is a complex phenomenon with interrelated causes, symptoms and effects. Its measurement and analysis require a many-sided approach. The main characteristics of underemployment, as an economic, social and labor phenomenon, are briefly mentioned here to elucidate the statistical problems related to its measurement. Underemployment, taken in its broad sense, as an inadequate utilization of available human resources and capacities, is a common feature of the employment situation in almost all societies. A basic objective of underemployment statistics and analysis is to estimate the volume of the segment of the labor force which is underemployed and to describe its demographic and socio-economic characteristics, as well as to assess the amount of unutilized labor represented by underemployment. Two specific uses of underemployment statistics may also be mentioned. The first is in the estimating of future supply of and demand for labor. Secondly, several African countries have initiated programmes of labor-intensive public construction - roads, canals, dams, wells, schools, etc. largely with the help of rural labor during seasonal slacks. Underemployment data are helpful in planning, locating and scheduling projects under such programmes.