Unemployment: The Real Story

Paper Summary:

This paper attempts to uncover the myths about unemployment in America. The paper looks at data that shows that, contrary to what some would have you believe, the vast majority of Americans are not spending years on unemployment and are not making limited or no efforts to find jobs. The paper also considers regional unemployment statistics that prove that local economic conditions have more to do with people being out of work than some sort of inherent laziness. The paper concludes that much of the rhetoric that often accompanies the unemployment debate is simply inaccurate.

Outline:
Data Shows Unemployment Not a Long-Term Crutch
Regional Variations Show Economic Impact
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Unemployment in America is a hot-button political issue that is complete with rhetoric and stereotypes. While Americans are bombarded with news of labor shortages, and how service industries in particular can not find enough workers, they often have difficulty understanding how people can remain unemployed (Stark, 2004). As a result, a variety of myths about the unemployed develop. Many have speculated that the unemployed are lazy, not looking for a job, and sometimes are having children simply to collect larger social assistance benefits."

Sample of Sources Used:

• "Unemployed persons by duration of unemployment" (2007). Bureau of Labor Statistics Web site. Retrieved Nov. 6, 2007 from http://www.bls.gov/webapps/legacy/cpsatab9.htm.
• "Regional and state employment and unemployment summary" (2007). Bureau of Labor Statistics Web site. Retrieved Nov. 6, 2007 from http://www.bls.gov/news.release/laus.nr0.htm.
• Schaefer, P. (2006). "Baby-boomer-caused labor shortage: Ideological myth or future reality." Retrieved Nov. 6, 2007 from http://www.businessknowhow.com/manage/labor-shortage.htm.
• Stark, P. (2004). "Stark statement on the ineffective Back to Work Incentive Act." Retrieved Nov. 6, 2007 from http://www.house.gov/stark/news/108th/2004_floor/floor_2004-06- 03_backwork.htm.
• Wolfram, G. (2006). "The state of the Michigan economy." Retrieved Nov. 5, 2007 from http://www.mackinac.org/article.aspx?ID=7587.

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