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Why is unemployment duration so long?

Author

Listed:
  • Katherine Kuang
  • Robert G. Valletta

Abstract

During the recent recession, unemployment duration reached levels well above those of past downturns. Duration has continued to rise during the uneven economic recovery that began in mid-2009. Elevated duration reflects such factors as changes in survey measurement, the demographic characteristics of the unemployed, and the availability of extended unemployment benefits. But the key explanation is the severe and persistent weakness in aggregate demand for labor.

Suggested Citation

  • Katherine Kuang & Robert G. Valletta, 2012. "Why is unemployment duration so long?," FRBSF Economic Letter, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, issue jan30.
    • Handle: RePEc:fip:fedfel:y:2012:i:jan30:n:2012-03
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Mary Daly & Bart Hobijn & Aysegul Sahin & Robert Valletta, 2011. "A Rising Natural Rate of Unemployment: Transitory or Permanent?," Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers 11-160/3, Tinbergen Institute.
    2. Daniel Aaronson & Bhashkar Mazumder & Shani Schechter, 2010. "What is behind the rise in long-term unemployment?," Economic Perspectives, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, vol. 34(Q II), pages 28-51.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jesse Rothstein, 2012. "The Labor Market Four Years into the Crisis: Assessing Structural Explanations," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 65(3), pages 467-500, July.
    2. Antillón, Marina & Lauderdale, Diane S. & Mullahy, John, 2014. "Sleep behavior and unemployment conditions," Economics & Human Biology, Elsevier, vol. 14(C), pages 22-32.
    3. Ferdie Angelo A. Perante & Wilma A. Perante & Wilferd Jude A. Perante, 2023. "Unemployment Before–Amidst COVID-19: Shifts in the Predictive Factors of the Number of Weeks Spent Looking for Work," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 7(9), pages 2007-2017, September.
    4. Cevik, Emrah Ismail & Dibooglu, Sel, 2013. "Persistence and non-linearity in US unemployment: A regime-switching approach," Economic Systems, Elsevier, vol. 37(1), pages 61-68.

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