To determine who would be considered unemployed for the purpose of calculating the unemployment rate, we need to look at the definitions of employment status:
- Employed: Individuals who are currently working.
- Unemployed: Individuals who are jobless, actively seeking work, and available to work.
- Not in the labor force: Individuals who are neither employed nor unemployed, such as retirees or individuals not seeking work.
Based on these definitions:
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An 18-year-old electrician who is currently working full time but would like to work more hours: This person is employed, not unemployed.
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A 15-year-old girl who wants to work part time but is unable to find work: This individual is under the minimum age (usually 16) to be counted in the labor force, so she is not considered unemployed.
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A 22-year-old teacher who recently lost his job and is currently looking for a new one: This person is actively seeking work, so they are considered unemployed.
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A 65-year-old retired plumber who has no interest in looking for a new job: This individual is not actively seeking work, thus is considered not in the labor force.
Therefore, the individual who would be considered unemployed when calculating the unemployment rate is:
- A 22-year-old teacher who recently lost his job and is currently looking for a new one.
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