Description

LABORHU describes economic status for the Hungary samples.

Comparability — General

The non-standard treatment of unemployed persons in 1970 and 1980 makes this separate variable necessary. Otherwise EMPSTAT, available for the 1990 and 2001 samples, is generally the more useful variable.

The available categories for LABORHU differ, although some are fairly consistent across samples.

The most important issue is the treatment of unemployed persons, which varies considerably. According to the 1970 instructions, unemployed persons are included in "other dependent." Thus, in 1970 it is not possible to completely identify the labor force as it is commonly understood: persons working or seeking work at a point in time.

In 1980, unemployed persons are combined with active earners. The 1990 and 2001 samples separately identify employed and unemployed workers, with 1990 further distinguishing new workers and experienced workers.

The active earners in combination with the unemployed persons largely equates with international definitions of the "labor force."

Universe

Availability

• Hungary: 1970, 1980, 1990, 2001