Employment and the microcensus. Definition, concept, operationalization

In the Microcensus different concepts and definitions are used to measure employment. A distinction is made between the Labour-Force-concept and the concept of the predominant source of livelihood. Which of the concepts is used to analyse participation in working life depends on the research question. However, the comparability of results and key figures from different national and international sources proves to be a problem due to the use of different concepts and definitions.

In order to improve the comparability of data, this paper provides an overview of relevant differentiations and definitions. The special features of the Labour-Force-concept are shown based on the 1996 Microcensus and deviations and similarities in the implementation from 1957 to 1996 are pointed out. The description of the possible applications is illustrated with examples of analyses. Furthermore, aspects of the national and international comparability of the measurement of labour force participation are discussed.

Schmidt, Simone: Erwerbstätigkeit im Mikrozensus. Konzepte, Definition, Umsetzung.Mannheim: Zentrum für Umfragen, Methoden und Analysen 2000, 37 Seiten (ZUMA-Arbeitsbericht 2000/01).