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Employment Risk, Diversification, and Unemployment

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  • George R. Neumann
  • Robert H. Topel

Abstract

This paper studies determinants of the geographic distribution of unemployment in the United States since 1950. We argue that "equilibrium" differences in unemployment among markets are partially supported by corresponding differences in the covariance structure of sectoral demands for labor. When workers are mobile, greater diversification of sectoral demands reduces unemployment. We confirm this point using pooled time-series-cross-section data on state unemployment and employment by industry. We also find evidence for nonneutrality of aggregate disturbances based on geographic differences in industrial composition, and that permanent changes in the sectoral composition of employment lead to transitory fluctuations in unemployment.

Suggested Citation

  • George R. Neumann & Robert H. Topel, 1991. "Employment Risk, Diversification, and Unemployment," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 106(4), pages 1341-1365.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:qjecon:v:106:y:1991:i:4:p:1341-1365.
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