Publications

Measuring Slack In The Palestinian Labor Market

Garry Sotnik

The Center for Development Studies (CDS) is pleased to present the study Measuring Slack In The Palestinian Labor Market. By thoroughly reviewing ILO guidelines, international common practices and PCBS methodology, the study addresses critical issues related to the current measurement of the standard and relaxed unemployment rates and offers valuable insight and recommendations that suggest a need for change in the current way the rates are calculated. The study also potentially resolves the enigma of relatively low participation labor force rate in the WBGS, which, according to the study, is likely to be due to measurement issues and not behavioral differences. 

Based on a nationwide survey recently conducted by CDS, the study also sheds light on the world of those who are currently considered to be outside the labor force. The study’s findings show that many of them are not only able and ready to work, but are able and ready to work now. These findings underscore the severe environment the Israeli occupation inflicts on the general Palestinian population. 

I would like to thank and congratulate the principal researcher, Garry Sotnik, and the others from the CDS research and survey teams who worked together to produce this study. I would also like to express gratitude to our partners Friedrich Ebert Stiftung and the Ford Foundation who funded the research effort. 

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Editorial Board - CDS Birzeit, Palestine

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