Economists define an unemployed person in a particular way. Who among the following would they call unemployed?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → A man who cannot get even one hour of work in half a day
Economists call a person unemployed if he or she cannot get even one hour of work in half a day.
Option (1) A man who cannot get even one hour of work in half a day — Correct. He fits the definition.
Option (2) A woman who works for two hours every morning in a shop — Incorrect. She gets more than one hour of work, so she is not unemployed.
Option (3) A student who studies all day and does not want any work — Incorrect. He is not seeking work. The unemployed are those who seek work or are available for it.
Option (4) A farmer who stays away from his fields for a week due to illness — Incorrect. Someone away for a short time due to illness is still a worker.
NCERT (2026-27): “6.8 Unemployment … The National Statistical Office (Previously it was known as National Sample Survey Organisation) defines unemployment as a situation in which all those who, owing to lack of work, are not working but either seek work through employment exchanges, intermediaries, friends or relatives or by making applications to prospective employers or express their willingness or availability for work under the prevailing condition of work and remunerations. There are a variety of ways by which an unemployed person is identified. Economists define unemployed person as one who is not able to get employment of even one hour in half a day. …” “6.2 Workers and Employment … Even if some of them temporarily abstain from work due to illness, injury or other physical disability, bad weather, festivals, social or religious functions, they are also workers. …” |