UNDEREMPLOYMENT Meaning and
Definition
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Underemployment refers to a situation where individuals are working in jobs that are beneath their skill level, education, or experience, indicating an underutilization of their abilities. It is a measure that represents an insufficient level of employment for a certain segment of the working population. While underemployment does not signify an absence of work or unemployment, it describes a condition where individuals are not able to secure or maintain full-time employment or jobs that match their qualifications.
Underemployed individuals typically face a situation where they are unable to find suitable employment that utilizes their abilities to their full potential, resulting in a mismatch between their skills and the available job opportunities. This may lead to workers accepting part-time jobs, temporary positions, or positions that do not capitalize on their educational background, expertise, or training. Consequently, underemployment often results in individuals experiencing lower levels of job satisfaction, wages, and career advancement opportunities than they are capable of achieving.
The underemployment rate is a significant economic indicator that supplements the unemployment rate by capturing the proportion of the workforce that is either unemployed or employed part-time but desires a full-time job. It provides insight into the inefficient allocation of skills and labor resources within an economy. Factors contributing to underemployment include economic recessions, structural changes in industries, technological advancements, as well as policy-related issues such as minimum wage legislation or labor market regulations.
Common Misspellings for UNDEREMPLOYMENT
Etymology of UNDEREMPLOYMENT
The word "underemployment" originated from the combination of two words: "under" and "employment".
The word "under" comes from Old English "under", of Germanic origin, which means "beneath" or "less than". It has maintained a similar meaning throughout its history.
The word "employment" comes from the Old French word "employer", which means "to use" or "to engage". It evolved from the Latin word "implicare", which means "to be involved" or "to be connected".
The two words are combined to create the term "underemployment", which refers to a situation where a person is working in a job that is below their qualifications or where they are not utilizing their skills to their full potential.
