Current Population Survey

Definition

The Current Population Survey is a monthly survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics to gather data on employment, unemployment, and other labor market indicators.

Analogy

Think of the Current Population Survey as a snapshot of the entire population's employment status. It's like taking a group photo where everyone's job situation is captured at that specific moment.

Related terms

Labor Force Participation Rate: This term refers to the percentage of the working-age population that is either employed or actively seeking employment.

Underemployment: Underemployment occurs when individuals are working part-time or in jobs that do not fully utilize their skills and qualifications.

Discouraged Workers: Discouraged workers are individuals who have given up looking for work because they believe there are no job opportunities available for them.