Jul 20 2010, 12:00 PM ET |
The median duration of unemployment is higher today than any time in the last 50 years. That's an understatement. It is more than twice as high today than any time in the last 50 years.
OK, you're saying, but what does this mean? Does it mean we must increase the duration of unemployment benefits to protect this new class of unemployed, or does it mean we need to stop subsidizing joblessness? Does it mean we need to expand federal retraining programs, or does it mean federal retraining programs aren't working? Does it mean we need more stimulus, more state aid, more infrastructure projects, more public works ... or does it mean it's time to stop everything, stand back and let business be business?
You're going to find smart people make a case for all six of the above public policy directions. (I tend to side with the first of each coupling.) It's hard to know for sure how to design public policy for historically unique crises precisely because they are historical orphans, without precedent to show us the right way from the wrong.
One of my first reactions to this graph was: Surely this is why we don't have to worry about inflation for a very, very long time. However, here's evidence that despite the historically inverse relationship between inflation and joblessness, "the long-term unemployed put less downward pressure on inflation." Ultimately, this is a graph that should humble policy makers more than it should scare them into confidently arguing they know exactly how to fix it.
1 comment:
This is why Krugman wanted to continue with stimulus. Pelosi suggesting EI benefits extension is vital.
Are we heading into a double dip?
Spain has nearly 20% unemployment. Sovereign debts, Bank stress test for only large banks.
Not sure if raising rates to cool down Toronto, Vancouver real estate market makes sense.
Our economy is based on exports and our partners are in serious trouble with deficits and a lack of a sustained private sector job recovery.
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