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Hysteresis in unemployment? Evidence from linear and nonlinear unit root tests and tests with non-normal errors

Author

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  • Ming Meng

    (Fifth Third Bank)

  • Mark C. Strazicich

    (Appalachian State University)

  • Junsoo Lee

    (University of Alabama)

Abstract

Hysteresis implies that shocks to unemployment have permanent effects. In this paper, we undertake a robust examination of the hysteresis hypothesis for 14 OECD countries by utilizing both linear and nonlinear unit root tests. After performing several linear unit root tests, we employ unit root tests with structural breaks and a Fourier test that allows for unknown breaks and nonlinear functional forms. To further examine the robustness of our findings, we additionally utilize tests that consider non-normal errors. Testing is undertaken using quarterly data for the time period 1983Q1–2013Q3. Overall, we find support for unit root hysteresis in 4 of the 14 countries, the traditional natural rate hypothesis in 3 countries, and the structuralist hypothesis (a natural rate with structural breaks) in 7 countries. In sum, we find that shocks to unemployment have permanent effects in 11 of the 14 countries, while the permanent effects are most often infrequent.

Suggested Citation

  • Ming Meng & Mark C. Strazicich & Junsoo Lee, 2017. "Hysteresis in unemployment? Evidence from linear and nonlinear unit root tests and tests with non-normal errors," Empirical Economics, Springer, vol. 53(4), pages 1399-1414, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:empeco:v:53:y:2017:i:4:d:10.1007_s00181-016-1196-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s00181-016-1196-z
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    2. Nsenga, Dieu & Nach, Mirada & Khobai, Hlalefang & Moyo, Clement & Phiri, Andrew, 2018. "Is it the natural rate or hysteresis hypothesis for unemployment rates in Newly Industrialized Economies?," MPRA Paper 86274, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    3. Dieu Nsenga & Mirada Nach & Hlalefang Khobai & Clement Moyo & Andrew Phiri, 2018. "Is it the natural rate or hysteresis hypothesis for unemployment in Newly Industrialized Economies?," Working Papers 1817, Department of Economics, Nelson Mandela University, revised Apr 2018.
    4. Kamil Sertoglu & Lucy Davou Philip & F rat Emir, 2021. "Assessing the Role of Agriculture and Energy Use on Environmental Sustainability: Evidence from RALS Cointegration Technique," International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, Econjournals, vol. 11(6), pages 50-59.
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    7. Aysegul Corakci & Tolga Omay & Mübariz Hasanov, 2022. "Hysteresis and stochastic convergence in Eurozone unemployment rates: evidence from panel unit roots with smooth breaks and asymmetric dynamics," Oeconomia Copernicana, Institute of Economic Research, vol. 13(1), pages 11-55, March.
    8. Krištić, Irena Raguž & Dumančić, Lucija Rogić & Arčabić, Vladimir, 2019. "Persistence and stochastic convergence of euro area unemployment rates," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 76(C), pages 192-198.
    9. Melike Dedeoglu, 2021. "Examination of Unemployment in the Framework of Hysteresis and Natural Rate in OECD Countries: Evidence from Alternative Panel Unit Root Tests," EKOIST Journal of Econometrics and Statistics, Istanbul University, Faculty of Economics, vol. 0(35), pages 129-145, December.
    10. Iman Cheratian & Saleh Goltabar & Luis A. Gil-Alaña, 2023. "The unemployment hysteresis by territory, gender, and age groups in Iran," SN Business & Economics, Springer, vol. 3(2), pages 1-18, February.
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    12. OlaOluwa S. Yaya & Ahamuefula E. Ogbonna & Robert Mudida, 2019. "Hysteresis of unemployment rates in Africa: new findings from Fourier ADF test," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 53(6), pages 2781-2795, November.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Unemployment; Hysteresis; Unit root test; Structural breaks; Fourier function; RALS;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E24 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Employment; Unemployment; Wages; Intergenerational Income Distribution; Aggregate Human Capital; Aggregate Labor Productivity
    • C22 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Time-Series Models; Dynamic Quantile Regressions; Dynamic Treatment Effect Models; Diffusion Processes

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