Unemployment Rate of Teen-Agers vs. Prime-Age Workers: A Comparison

Understanding the Factors Behind Higher Teen-Ager Unemployment Rates

Prev Question Next Question

Question

The unemployment rate of teen-agers is substantially higher than the unemployment rate of prime-age workers primarily because teen-agers

Answers

Explanations

Click on the arrows to vote for the correct answer

A. B. C. D. E.

D

Youthful workers experience more unemployment because they change jobs and move in and out of the labor force often.

The correct answer is B. Teenagers are less likely to be in the labor force than older workers since many teenagers are still attending school.

The question is addressing the higher unemployment rate among teenagers compared to prime-age workers. To understand why this is the case, we need to analyze the options provided.

Option A states that teenagers are more likely to be in the armed forces, which leads to them being counted as unemployed. However, this is not a significant factor in explaining the higher unemployment rate among teenagers. The number of teenagers in the armed forces is relatively small compared to the overall teenage population.

Option C suggests that teenagers are less likely to switch jobs and move into and out of the labor force than older workers. However, this statement does not provide a strong explanation for the higher unemployment rate among teenagers. It is not primarily about job switching but rather about labor force participation.

Option D proposes that teenagers are more likely to switch jobs and move into and out of the labor force than older workers. This statement is incorrect because it contradicts the general understanding that teenagers have less job and labor force mobility compared to prime-age workers. Teenagers often have limited work experience and are more likely to hold part-time or seasonal jobs.

Option E suggests that if teenagers search more diligently, they can generally find high-paying jobs that are available only to experienced, highly skilled workers. This statement is not supported by evidence and does not explain the higher unemployment rate among teenagers.

Option B is the correct answer because it highlights that many teenagers are still attending school and, therefore, are less likely to be in the labor force compared to prime-age workers. Teenagers prioritize education, and a significant portion of them is enrolled in school, limiting their availability for full-time employment. Consequently, their labor force participation rate is lower, resulting in a higher unemployment rate when compared to prime-age workers who are more actively participating in the labor market.

In summary, option B provides the most accurate explanation for the higher unemployment rate among teenagers, as it recognizes the impact of attending school on their labor force participation.