Unemployment

United States vs. GermanyNational and State Comparison

1999-2008

UnemploymentDefinition: persons who are

Without workCurrently available for work andSeeking work(based upon Int’l Conference of Labour Statisticians 1982)

Measured as:

unemployed force /

total labor force

Possible Problems Resulting of Unemployment

HomelessnessLoss of self-esteem and depressionLack of insurance Debt accumulationIncreased crime rateXenophobia

Unemployment in Germany and Berlin

Year National Average

Berlin Average

1999 10.5 15.9

2000 9.6 15.8

2001 9.4 16.1

2002 9.8 16.9

2003 10.5 18.1

2004 10.5 17.7

2005 11.7 19.0

2006 10.8 17.5

2007 9.0 15.5

2008 7.8 13.6

Source: Bundesagentur für Arbeit 2009

Unemployment in the United States and New York

Year National Average

NY Average

1999 4.2 5.2

2000 4.0 4.5

2001 4.7 5.4

2002 5.8 6.2

2003 6.0 6.4

2004 5.5 5.8

2005 5.1 5.0

2006 4.6 4.6

2007 4.6 4.6

2008 5.8 5.4

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Data

ConclusionDifferences between Germany and United States

Higher unemployment rate in GermanyGreater difference between national and state level in

Germany

Similarities: consistent changes within max. 6%Further study suggestions: what factors have been

used to calculate the rate? How do politicians justify unemployment rate? Is unemployment good for an economy?

But there are positive sides…… like forming solidarity.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdWb1Ta4g3U

Sources

“Resolution concerning statistics of the economically active population, employment, unemployment and underemployment” adopted by the Thirteenth International Conference of Labour Statisticians (October 1982) http://www.ilo.org/public/english/bureau/stat/download/res/ecacpop.pdf

The National Archives “The Cabinet Papers 1915-1978” www.nationalarchives.gov

China View Business “U.S. Jobless Rate Rises to Highest Level in 15 Years” 05.12.2008 www.chinaview.cn