Is there any reason why SAHP shouldn't be described as 'unemployed'?

[BrendaandEddie]

I know they are busy etc. But is this a box you should tick if you are at home with children?

I am a SAHM at the moment.

I resent being lumped in as 'unemployed' when there is also a category of retired. I can just about bear it where everyone not in current paid employment gets one category (though I question the usefulness of the data you collect with such a broad category).

It is offensive to me to see caring for someone as being unemployed when simply having stopped working because of your age merits it's own category (presumably because, whatever some people say,it is derogatory to be labelled unemployed).

To me, unemployed is out of work but actively wanting it.

SAHP is just that, a category of unpaid caring. I'd rather than there was a category for carers generally - including those caring for parents etc. That type of caring , for those who are physically dependent on you, is hard physical work with few breaks, no sick leave and no holiday. It deserves recognition just as much as being paid. It's also important when collecting economic data - if I wasn't looking after my toddler (and older kids), someone else would be.

"The term 'unemployed' doesn't indicate whether you are seeking or not seeking work, just that you don't have it currently!"

Nope, wrong, it indicates whether you are "Seeking work, and willing and able to work."

Seeing as a SAHP wouldn't be doing any of these things they are not unemployed, that's why we have the classification of economically inactive.

You can't change that just because it doesn't fit whatever agenda you are trying to fit it into.

Its also why "economically inactive" people are not counted in the LFS count of the unemployed.

Now I'm sure you just started this thread to offend people, because your really dim if you think this really.

The definition of unemployed is : "Those who are out of work, but who are looking for work and willing and able to work in the next two weeks."

That is one definition of unemployed.

Here is another from the Cambridge dictionaries online:

Unemployed: not having a job that provides money.

The common standard measure of unemployment is the International Labor Organization measure, which I believe is those available to work and seeking work but not currently working, so no that wouldn't include SAHP. Why do you ask OP? Do you gain something from thinking of us as unemployed?

Rollon.. from an economic point of you my definition is spot on. Strictly speaking if you're going to quote from dictionaries it should be the OED full version and nothing else.

You're question has been answered,and you are wrong. Accept it.

I'm a sahm and don't claim any unemployment benefits or credits as I am not actively seeking work. Therefore economically speaking, I am not unemployed.

I think it can be upsetting for sahps to be labelled as unemployed because we are conscious that our role is often undervalued by some members of society (hi there George Osborne!)

Your not labelled as unemployed though, economically inactive is not the same. This thread is designed to upset people really.

So OP, if SAHP are unemployed should they be allowed to claim JSA like they used to be back in the 70s and 80s?

I am a SAHP but on a career break from my job for a few years. I'm therefore still employed

I'm a sahm and I do a lot of surveys and filled out forms with this kind of question, and it's very rare for there not to be another option aside from unemployed. I don't really mind ticking the unemployed box though if there's no other choice, I don't feel it's a judgement on me. I've sometimes been on benefits as a sahm and sometimes not, so not sure if the benefits issue is that important. In the past before having dc I've been a jobseeker but not claimed JSA due to the level of savings.

It depends what is meant by unemployed. I can't see why SAHP's have such a thing about this. Just enjoy what you're doing and who cares what people think. All this justifying that x works much harder than y is a bit pathetic IMHO. I don't work hard at all. I did once but not now.

vestal

How do you know that a sahp is likely to face poverty in old age?
They are no more likely to than a ft worker who may have spent all their money on lifestyle choices.

You can only be unemployed if you are actively looking for work.

For example the unemployment statics would be huge if you counted all the retirees, SAHPs, and general lords and ladies of leisure!

Also, last I heard SAHP are not entitled to JSA.

i remember when students could get dole money in the holidays

sigh

Sometimes there is an option of 'independent means' which would be someone who has money and doesn't need to work.

I suppose banks might make the distinction when assessing for bank accounts etc - SAHP - no personal income but dependent on household income, retired - in receipt of a pension or unemployed - without paid work but looking for it? They also have to ask where your money comes from for money laundering purposes.

And housing benefit.

I'd only class someone as unemployed if they were actively seeking work.

Unemployment statistics are designed to reflect the volume of the potential workforce, who are currently not in work but are seeking employment.

Someone who does not have paid work but is not (statistically) seeking work is not classed as unemployed but 'economically inactive' - this includes students, retirees, those looking after family and the long-term sick/disabled.

I quite like changing the label on different forms.

Sometimes I'm unemployed in receipt of benefits, or a company director, independant means, employed.

It depends on the form and how I feel that day

It's ridiculous to describe a parent as 'economically inactive'.

I generally find "other" quite useful for me as I am not in receipt of benefits (other than use of roads, schools, bins nhs - but no payments iyswim) , not currently employed. Not looking for work. It really confuses those data gathering people!

But it isn't.. because economically inactive means you are not in employment or unemployed. It's not a slur.

I actually dislike the term SAHP! I'd rather just be called a parent! I'm none of these definitions, I'm not in paid work, I'm a parent and a student. This is a bit of a nonsense thread really. Just tick unemployed, why does it matter? You're not employed by anyone so it's the truth? It shouldn't be a stigma.

Economically inactive gets my vote.
commonslibraryblog.com/2015/02/18/why-are-people-economically-inactive/

I prefer the phrase " lady of leisure" , unemployed to me implies that I would work if I could - I don't want to. I don't see it as an insult though - technically I am unemployed.