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Underemployment in South Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Rochelle Beukes

    (Department of Economics, University of the Western Cape)

  • Tina Fransman

    (Department of Economics, University of the Western Cape)

  • Simba Murozvi

    (Department of Economics, University of the Western Cape)

  • Derek Yu

    (Department of Economics, University of the Western Cape)

Abstract

With the introduction of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) since 2008, a newly derived variable, namely underemployed, has become available. This variable is derived according to the “time-related” approach (i.e. those who are employed, but would like to work longer hours and are available to work longer hours in the near future). However, underemployment could also be derived according to the “inadequate employment situations” approach (e.g. under-utilisation of skills, over-qualification). There are virtually no in-depth local studies that examine underemployment in South Africa. Hence, this paper investigates the extent of underemployment according to two definitions, before examining whether the characteristics of the underemployed are significantly different from those of the other employed.

Suggested Citation

  • Rochelle Beukes & Tina Fransman & Simba Murozvi & Derek Yu, 2016. "Underemployment in South Africa," Working Papers 06/2016, Stellenbosch University, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:sza:wpaper:wpapers262
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Nicholas Ngepah & Regina Conselho Mwiinga, 2022. "The Impact of Climate Change on Gender Inequality in the Labour Market: A Case Study of South Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(20), pages 1-28, October.
    2. Vlad I. ROȘCA & Oana-Lorena ȚEPOSU, 2018. "The Influence of Education on Subjective Underemployment: Research on Multinational Corporations in Romania," REVISTA DE MANAGEMENT COMPARAT INTERNATIONAL/REVIEW OF INTERNATIONAL COMPARATIVE MANAGEMENT, Faculty of Management, Academy of Economic Studies, Bucharest, Romania, vol. 19(4), pages 328-340, October.
    3. Daniel Francois Meyer & Precious Mncayi, 2021. "An Analysis of Underemployment among Young Graduates: The Case of a Higher Education Institution in South Africa," Economies, MDPI, vol. 9(4), pages 1-16, December.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    underemployment; underemployed; South Africa;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J00 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - General - - - General

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