How is the labour force mathematically represented?

The labour force is mathematically represented as the sum of the employed and the unemployed. This can be expressed as: Labour force = Employed + Unemployed.

What does it mean for an individual to be considered 'out of the labour force'?

An individual is considered 'out of the labour force' if they are neither currently working nor actively looking for work. This category includes people who are not seeking employment for various reasons, such as retirement, education, or personal choice.

How is the noninstitutional civilian population defined in relation to the labour force?

The noninstitutional civilian population is defined as the sum of the labour force (employed and unemployed) and those who are out of the labour force. It represents the total number of people potentially available for civilian employment, excluding those in institutions, the military, or who are too young to work.

What is the formula for the noninstitutional civilian population?

The noninstitutional civilian population can be calculated in several ways: it is equal to the labour force plus those out of the labour force, or equivalently, the employed plus the unemployed plus those out of the labour force. It can also be seen as the total population minus individuals who cannot work, such as children and retirees.

How is the labour force participation rate calculated?

The labour force participation rate is calculated as the ratio of the labour force to the noninstitutional civilian population. The formula is: Labour force participation rate = Labour force / Noninstitutional civilian population.

What is the primary distinction between formal and informal labour?

Formal labour refers to any employment that is structured and paid in a formal manner, often involving payroll systems and legal recognition. In contrast, informal labour falls short of formal arrangements in law or practice, is typically unstructured and unregulated, and can be either paid or unpaid.

How does formal labour contribute to a country's gross national product (GNP)?

Formal labour, by its structured and recognized nature, directly contributes to a country's gross national product (GNP). This contrasts with the informal sector, whose contributions are often not officially measured or accounted for in national economic statistics.

What are the general characteristics of informal labour?

Informal labour is characterized by its lack of formal structure and regulation in law or practice. It can be either paid or unpaid, and it operates outside the typical employment frameworks, often making it less secure and predictable than formal employment.

What are the typical advantages of formal employment compared to informal employment?

Formal employment is generally considered more reliable than informal employment. It typically yields higher incomes and provides greater benefits and securities for both male and female workers.

In which regions is informal labour expanding most significantly on a global scale?

Informal labour is expanding globally, with its most significant growth occurring in developing countries. This trend highlights the increasing importance of the informal economy in many parts of the world.

What was the approximate percentage of non-agricultural employment that was informal in Latin America in the year 2000?

In the year 2000, informal labour constituted approximately 57% of non-agricultural employment in Latin America. This figure underscores the substantial presence of the informal sector in the region's economy.

What was the approximate percentage of non-agricultural employment that was informal in Africa in the year 2000?

In the year 2000, informal labour accounted for a significant 78% of non-agricultural employment in Africa. This statistic highlights the dominance of the informal sector in many African economies during that period.

What trend in labour sector shifts is often observed following economic crises?

Following economic crises, such as the Asian economic crisis that began in 1997, labourers tend to shift from the formal sector to the informal sector. This movement reflects a search for alternative employment opportunities when formal jobs become scarce or unstable.

How is gender typically associated with informal labour?

Gender is frequently associated with informal labour, as women are employed more often informally than formally. Consequently, informal labour represents a larger overall source of employment for females compared to males in many economies.

What are some common occupations for women within the informal sector of the economy?

Women frequently engage in the informal sector through occupations such as home-based work and street vending. These roles often provide a means of livelihood where formal employment opportunities are limited.

According to the Penguin Atlas of Women in the World, what percentage of women workers in the developing world were employed in the informal sector?

According to the Penguin Atlas of Women in the World, approximately 60% of women workers in the developing world were employed in the informal sector. This indicates a significant reliance on informal employment for women in these regions.

What percentage of economic activity in Africa is conducted in the informal sector, and what proportion of this labour force is female, according to a 2021 FAO study?

A 2021 FAO study indicated that 85% of economic activity in Africa occurs within the informal sector, with women comprising nearly 90% of this informal labour force. This highlights the critical role women play in Africa's informal economy.

According to the ILO's 2016 employment analysis, what sector accounts for the largest share of informal employment in sub-Saharan Africa?

The International Labour Organization's (ILO) 2016 employment analysis revealed that 64% of informal employment in sub-Saharan Africa is concentrated in agriculture, relative to industry and services. This points to agriculture as a primary sector for informal work in the region.

How do women's rates of informal employment compare to men's in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, according to the provided data?

In sub-Saharan Africa, 92% of women workers are in informal employment compared to 86% of men. Similarly, in Latin America, 58% of women workers are in informal employment versus 48% of men, indicating higher rates of informal employment for women in both regions.

What is the relationship between informal labour and agricultural work?

A majority of agricultural work is informal, meaning it is often unregistered or unstructured. Both agricultural and non-agricultural work can be informal, and these categories are considered closely related.

What are some important livelihood sources for women that are related to agriculture and informal economic activity?

Agriculture and informal economic activity are among the most significant sources of livelihood for women. They are also estimated to account for a large proportion of informal cross-border traders and owners of micro, small, or medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

How are women-owned micro, small, or medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) particularly vulnerable?

Women-owned MSMEs are often more vulnerable to market shocks and disruptions, compounded by their limited access to credit and financial liquidity compared to larger businesses. This vulnerability can hinder their growth and stability.

How is a farmworker defined in the context of labor law?

In labor law, a farmworker, farmhand, or agricultural worker is defined as someone employed for labor in agriculture. The term can sometimes be used more narrowly to refer only to hired workers involved in agricultural production, such as harvesting, excluding other on-farm jobs like fruit picking.

What factors influence the nature and variation of agricultural work?

The nature of agricultural work varies widely depending on the specific context, the degree of mechanization employed, and the type of crop being cultivated. These factors shape the tasks performed and the skills required.

What type of labor is recruited for labor-intensive crops in countries like the United States?

In countries like the United States, where the population of citizens working on farms is declining, temporary or itinerant skilled labor is often recruited for labor-intensive crops such as vegetables and fruits. This ensures that essential agricultural tasks are completed.

What environmental concerns are associated with agricultural work, and what movements have arisen in response?

Agricultural work can expose workers to environmental concerns like the health effects of pesticides and other challenges such as valley fever. In response to these issues, along with immigration challenges and marginal working conditions, many labor rights, economic justice, and environmental justice movements have been organized or supported by farmworkers.

What does the image of workers leaving the Tampella factory in Tampere, Finland, in 1909 depict?

The image depicts workers exiting the Tampella factory in Tampere, Finland, during the year 1909. This visual represents a moment in industrial history, showing the daily departure of laborers from a manufacturing site.

What does the graphic illustrating employed civilians by occupation and gender in the United States as of 2007 show?

This graphic illustrates the distribution of employed civilians by occupation and gender within the United States as recorded in 2007. It provides a statistical overview of the labor market composition based on these demographic factors.

How does the concept of paid and unpaid work relate to formal and informal labour?

Paid and unpaid work are closely linked to formal and informal labour. Some informal work may be paid 'under the table' or be entirely unpaid, such as work done at home to sustain a family or habitual daily labour that is not monetarily rewarded.

What are examples of unpaid work mentioned in the text?

Examples of unpaid work include childcare and other household tasks performed to sustain a family, as well as habitual daily labour, such as working the fields, that does not receive monetary compensation. The value of this work, though significant, is difficult to estimate.

How does gender influence the sectors men and women tend to focus on, regardless of whether their work is paid or unpaid?

Regardless of whether their work is paid or unpaid, men and women tend to focus on different sectors of the economy. Women typically concentrate on the service sector, while men tend to focus on the industrial sector.

How do women's working hours in income-generating jobs typically compare to men's?

Worldwide, women usually work fewer hours in income-generating jobs compared to men. This difference is often attributed to the greater share of unpaid household work that women undertake.

Who is generally responsible for the majority of household work globally?

Globally, women and girls are responsible for a significant amount of household work. This includes tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and childcare, which are essential for family sustenance but often uncompensated.

What does the data from the Penguin Atlas of Women in the World suggest about the disparity in weekly housework hours between women and men in various countries?

The data suggests a significant disparity in weekly housework hours between women and men in several countries. For instance, in Madagascar, women spend 20 hours while men spend two; in Mexico, women spend 33 hours and men spend five; and in Spain, women spend 26 hours while men spend four. The Netherlands is noted as an exception where men spend slightly more time on household activities than women.

What gender disparity exists in time spent fetching water in Malawi, according to the Penguin Atlas of Women in the World?

In Malawi, women spend approximately 6.3 hours per week fetching water, while men spend only about 43 minutes. Similarly, girls spend 3.3 hours per week on this task, compared to 1.1 hours for boys, indicating a substantial gender-based division of this labor.

What did UK data from 2014 reveal about the gender distribution of workers on long-term sick leave?

In the United Kingdom in 2014, data showed that two-thirds of workers on long-term sick leave were women. This occurred even though women constituted only half of the workforce, excluding maternity leave, suggesting a higher prevalence of long-term illness absence among women.

How did the global supply of labour change between the 1980s and the early 2000s?

Between the 1980s and the early 2000s, the global supply of labour almost doubled in absolute numbers. Approximately half of this substantial growth originated from Asia.

How do employers in more advanced economies access the growing global labour pool?

Employers in more advanced economies access the growing global labour pool through various methods. These include importing goods produced by foreign labour, offshoring production to countries with lower labour costs, and facilitating immigration.

What is global labor arbitrage?

Global labor arbitrage is the practice of accessing workers from anywhere in the world who can perform tasks at the lowest cost. This phenomenon is partly a result of the significant growth in the global workforce observed in recent decades.

How did the global workforce size change between 1980 and 2010, and what was the primary driver of this growth?

Between 1980 and 2010, the global workforce grew from 1.2 billion to 2.9 billion people. This expansion was primarily driven by developing nations undergoing a 'farm to factory' transition, where non-farming jobs increased significantly.

What is the 'farm to factory' transition, and where has it been particularly significant?

The 'farm to factory' transition refers to the shift of populations from agricultural work to industrial and manufacturing jobs. This process has been a major driver of global workforce growth, particularly in developing nations like China and India, contributing to their economic development and lifting millions out of poverty.

What was the 'old' international division of labor, and how did it incorporate underdeveloped areas?

The 'old' international division of labor, prevalent until around 1970, incorporated underdeveloped areas into the world economy primarily as suppliers of raw materials, such as minerals and agricultural commodities. Production was largely concentrated in developed nations.

What is the 'new international division of labor' or 'global industrial shift'?

The 'new international division of labor,' also known as the 'global industrial shift,' describes the trend where production processes are relocated from developed countries to developing countries. This shift occurs as companies seek the cheapest locations for manufacturing and assembly, moving low-cost, labor-intensive parts of production to regions with substantially lower labour costs.

What does the image of a Convergys call center in Baguio, Philippines, represent?

The image of a Convergys call center in Baguio, Philippines, serves as an example of a third-party outsourcing firm. It illustrates the practice of offshoring IT-enabled services, a component of the globalization of the labour market.

What is the definition of formal labour in terms of structure and payment?

Formal labour is defined as any type of employment that is structured and paid in a formal way, often utilizing payroll systems, whether paper-based or electronic. This structured approach distinguishes it from informal arrangements.

What does the term 'noninstitutional civilian population' exclude?

The noninstitutional civilian population excludes individuals who are institutionalized, such as those in prisons or mental health facilities, as well as children, retirees, and members of the armed forces. It focuses on the population potentially available for civilian employment.

What is the significance of the 'farm to factory' transition mentioned in relation to global workforce growth?

The 'farm to factory' transition signifies a large-scale movement of people from agricultural work to industrial jobs. This transition has been a primary driver of the global workforce's expansion, particularly in developing nations, contributing to economic development and poverty reduction.

How does the text describe the relationship between agriculture and informal economic activity for women?

The text highlights that agriculture and informal economic activity are among the most crucial sources of livelihood for women. This indicates a strong connection between these sectors and women's economic participation, particularly in developing regions.

Workforce Wiki: The Global Labour Force: Structure, Dynamics, and Disparities

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Defining the Labour Force

Core Definition

In macroeconomic analysis, the workforce, often referred to as the labour force, encompasses all individuals who are either currently employed or actively seeking employment (the unemployed).^[1]

Mathematically:

Labour force = Employed + Unemployed

Outside the Labour Force

Individuals who are neither engaged in paid employment nor actively seeking work are classified as being out of the labour force. This category includes children, retirees, students not seeking work, and those unable to work.^[1]

The sum of the labour force and those out of the labour force constitutes the noninstitutional civilian population, representing the total population available for civilian employment.

Participation Rate

The labour force participation rate (LFPR) is a critical indicator that quantifies the proportion of the noninstitutional civilian population that is part of the labour force. It is calculated as the ratio of the labour force to the noninstitutional civilian population.

LFPR = Labour force / Noninstitutional civilian population

Formal Employment

Structured and Paid

Formal labour refers to any employment that is formally structured and compensated through official channels, such as payroll systems, electronic transfers, or formal contracts. This type of employment is legally recognized and regulated within a country's economic framework.

Economic Contribution

Unlike employment in the informal sector, formal labour directly contributes to a nation's gross national product (GNP). It is generally characterized by greater reliability, higher income levels, and more comprehensive benefits and securities for both male and female workers.

The Informal Sector

Defining Informal Labour

Informal labour encompasses work arrangements that fall short of formal legal or practical standards. It is typically unstructured, unregulated, and may be paid or unpaid. This sector is expanding globally, particularly in developing economies.

Global Prevalence

Studies indicate that informal labour constitutes a significant portion of non-agricultural employment worldwide. For instance, in the year 2000, it represented approximately 57% of non-agricultural employment globally, and a substantial percentage of new jobs created in Africa (93%) and Latin America (83%). Economic crises often lead to a shift of workers from the formal to the informal sector.

Gender Dynamics in Labour

Women in Informal Employment

Gender is strongly associated with informal labour. Women are disproportionately employed in the informal sector compared to men, and it represents a larger source of employment for females globally. In developing nations, women often engage in occupations such as home-based work and street vending.

Regional Statistics

Across various regions, women's participation in informal employment is notably high. For example, in Sub-Saharan Africa, approximately 84% of women workers are in informal employment, compared to 63% of men. In Asia, the rates are similar for both genders at around 65%.

Unpaid Household Labour

Women and girls globally bear a significant responsibility for unpaid household work, including childcare and domestic chores. This often results in fewer hours spent in income-generating jobs compared to men. For instance, in Madagascar, women dedicate approximately 20 hours per week to housework, while men spend only two.

Sick Leave Disparities

In the United Kingdom, data from 2014 indicated that women constituted two-thirds of workers on long-term sick leave, despite making up only half of the workforce (excluding maternity leave). This highlights potential gendered differences in health-related work absences.

Agricultural Work

Definition and Context

A farmworker, farmhand, or agricultural labourer is an individual employed in agriculture. This role can range from direct production tasks like harvesting to other on-farm jobs. In many developed nations, labour-intensive crops often rely on temporary or itinerant skilled labour, frequently recruited internationally.

Environmental and Social Concerns

Agricultural labour is often at the forefront of experiencing the human health impacts of environmental issues related to farming, such as pesticide exposure or conditions like valley fever. Consequently, numerous labour rights, economic justice, and environmental justice movements have been organized or supported by farmworkers to address these challenges, alongside immigration issues and marginal working conditions.

Paid vs. Unpaid Labour

Interplay with Formal/Informal

The distinction between paid and unpaid work is closely intertwined with the formal and informal labour sectors. Some informal work may be compensated "under the table" or not monetarily rewarded at all. Unpaid work, such as childcare or essential domestic labour, while critical for societal function, is often difficult to quantify economically.

Gendered Distribution

Even when both men and women engage in paid and unpaid activities, the nature of this work is often gendered. Women tend to focus more on the service sector and domestic responsibilities, including significant time spent fetching water in many developing countries, while men are more prevalent in the industrial sector.

Globalisation of the Labour Market

Expanding Labour Supply

Between the 1980s and early 2000s, the global labour supply nearly doubled, with Asia contributing significantly to this growth. Concurrently, the rate of new worker entry in Western economies began to decline. This expansion is accessed by employers in developed economies through imports, offshoring, and immigration.

Labour Arbitrage and Shifts

Global labour arbitrage, the practice of sourcing labour from the lowest-cost regions worldwide, is a consequence of this growth. The "farm to factory" transition in developing nations, driven by industrialization, has lifted millions out of poverty and significantly contributed to economic development in countries like China and India.

Offshoring Services

The rise of offshore outsourcing for IT-enabled services, such as custom software development and business process outsourcing (BPO), is closely linked to the expansion of reliable and affordable communication infrastructure. This trend allows companies to leverage global talent pools for service delivery.

Industrial Shift

The "new international division of labour" describes the relocation of production processes from developed countries to developing nations. This global industrial shift involves manufacturing and assembly components being moved to regions with substantially lower labour costs, fundamentally altering global production networks.

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References

Larsson, Allan. "Empowerment of the Poor in Informal Employment." Commission on Legal Empowerment of the Poor (Jan. 2006): 1â10. Print

Chen, Martha, Joann Vanek, Francie Lund, James Heintz with Renana Jhabvala, and Christine Bonner. 2005. "Employment, Gender, and Poverty," in Progress of the World's Women, pp. 36â57. New York: United Nations Development Fund for Women

A full list of references for this article are available at the Workforce Wikipedia page

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This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional economic or social advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation, analysis, or policy development. Always refer to official sources and consult with qualified experts for specific economic, social, or policy-related needs. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.

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The Global Labour Force

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Defining the Labour Force ℹ️

👥 Core Definition

🚶 Outside the Labour Force

📊 Participation Rate

Formal Employment 💼

🏢 Structured and Paid

📈 Economic Contribution

The Informal Sector 🌐

❓ Defining Informal Labour

🌍 Global Prevalence

Gender Dynamics in Labour ♀️

👩 Women in Informal Employment

📊 Regional Statistics

🏠 Unpaid Household Labour

🤒 Sick Leave Disparities

Agricultural Work 🚜

🌾 Definition and Context

⚠️ Environmental and Social Concerns

Paid vs. Unpaid Labour 💰

⚖️ Interplay with Formal/Informal

💧 Gendered Distribution

Globalisation of the Labour Market 🌍

⬆️ Expanding Labour Supply

➡️ Labour Arbitrage and Shifts

💻 Offshoring Services

🏭 Industrial Shift

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📜 References

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Defining the Labour Force

Core Definition

Outside the Labour Force

Participation Rate

Formal Employment

Structured and Paid

Economic Contribution

The Informal Sector

Defining Informal Labour

Global Prevalence

Gender Dynamics in Labour

Women in Informal Employment

Regional Statistics

Unpaid Household Labour

Sick Leave Disparities

Agricultural Work

Definition and Context

Environmental and Social Concerns

Paid vs. Unpaid Labour

Interplay with Formal/Informal

Gendered Distribution

Globalisation of the Labour Market

Expanding Labour Supply

Labour Arbitrage and Shifts

Offshoring Services

Industrial Shift

Teacher's Corner

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Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice