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WKSUNEMP
Weeks unemployed last year
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Description

WKSUNEMP reports the number of weeks during the previous calendar year that the respondent was unemployed. In 1910, the unemployment question was only supposed to be asked of wage workers (see CLASSWKR), but some self-employed persons responded as well.

See EMPSTAT for definitions of key labor force and employment terminology.

Codes

WKSUNEMP is a 2-digit numeric variable that reports the number of weeks during the previous calendar year that the respondent was unemployed. In 1910, the unemployment question was only supposed to be asked of wage workers (see CLASSWKR), but some self-employed persons responded as well. WKSUNEMP specific variable codes for missing, edited, or unidentified observations, observations not applicable (N/A), observations not in universe (NIU), top and bottom value coding, etc. are provided below if applicable by Census year (and data sample if specified).

WKSUNEMP Specific Variable Codes
98 = Illegible (1910 100% Sample)
99 = N/A (blank)

Comparability

Universe differences aside, this variable is basically comparable across years. The 1910 definition of unemployment was "unable to secure any employment." The 1980 definition was "trying to get a job or start a business or professional practice" or "on temporary or indefinite layoff from a job."

MOUNEMP reports months unemployed for 1880 and 1900.

Universe

  • 1910: Wage workers and others who responded to the unemployment question. Not available in Alaska; not available for Puerto Rico.
  • 1930-1940: 1930. Available in Hawaii only.
  • 1980: Age 16+.

Availability

United States
  • 2022: --
  • 2021: --
  • 2020: --
  • 2019: --
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  • 2003: --
  • 2002: --
  • 2001: --
  • 2000: --
  • 1990: --
  • 1980: All samples
  • 1970: --
  • 1960: --
  • 1950: --
  • 1940: --
  • 1930: 1%; 5%
  • 1920: --
  • 1910: All samples
  • 1900: --
  • 1880: --
  • 1870: --
  • 1860: --
  • 1850: --
Puerto Rico
  • 2022: --
  • 2021: --
  • 2020: --
  • 2019: --
  • 2018: --
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  • 2005: --
  • 2000: --
  • 1990: --
  • 1980: All samples
  • 1970: --
  • 1930: All samples
  • 1920: --
  • 1910: --

Flags

QQTRUNEM 

Editing Procedure

There is no editing procedure available for this variable.