Economics

What is the proper role of government in our economy? Why do we have a business cycle? Is it really a consequence of freedom and free markets that a business cycle is created or is it the result of government intervention? Should the market decide instead of the government who the winners and losers will be in our economy? This blog attempts to review the relevant financial stories and facts that impact the American economy.

Friday, August 29, 2008

If the Economy’s so Bad, Why Is the Unemployment Rate so Low?

The following article is a good discussion about the current economy and the misleading unemployment numbers:

"In short, by expanding the prison population, we have removed more and more young men from our labor market count. This reduces aggregate unemployment rates and raises employment shares, since these are often persons who would have difficulty finding jobs if they were not in prison."

http://www.epi.org/content.cfm/webfeatures_viewpoints_testimony_blank2

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