- Codes
- Description
- Comparability
- Universe
- Availability
- Flags
- Questionnaire Text
- UnHarmonized Variables
Codes
This variable is not available for any of the currently selected samples.
Description
WHYLOOK reports responses to a question about why individuals initially started looking for work. Interviewers asked, "Was it because [this person] lost or quit a job or was there some other reason?" and recorded the answers to this open-ended question in terms of a limited number of responses recognized on the form.
Comparability
Along with changes in the universe, this variable changed in terms of the number of recognized responses. For 1968-1987, the possible coded responses were losing a job, quitting a job, leaving school, wanting temporary work, or "other." Beginning in 1988, "change in home/family responsibilities" and "left military service" were also recognized as reasons for beginning to look for work. For consistency before and after 1988, these latter two responses must be subsumed into the "other" category.
Universe
- 1968-1975: Civilians age 14+ who were unemployed during the preceding week.
- 1976-1987: Civilians age 14+ who were unemployed during the preceding week and who were not on temporary or indefinite layoff from a job or who were not working during the preceding week and had a new job that would begin within 30 days.
- 1988-1993: Civilians age 15+ who were unemployed during the preceding week and who were not on temporary or indefinite layoff from a job or who were not working during the preceding week and had a new job that would begin within 30 days.
Availability
| Years | Jan | Feb | ASEC | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1968 – 1993 | - | - | X | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
