[AdamN]

Because they're working but not in a way that is recognized by the government data which only recognizes formal labor for a proper employer.

I would go so far as to say that the employment rate is effectively always 95%+ for every population and that the only question is whether people are working in the formal economy, in school, informally working, caring, or doing any number of other activities that make up our human society.

[thefounder]

Doing home chores does not make you employed. You can't get a mortgage with that. You don't get a pension or anything really.

[AdamN]

In Germany if you are on parental leave caring for a child you accrue social security benefits as if you were still at your job.

[thaumasiotes]

> Doing home chores does not make you employed. You can't get a mortgage with that.

Maybe you can't get a mortgage, but you can get a house.

Is that actually worse than getting a mortgage?

[thefounder]

>> Is that actually worse than getting a mortgage?

I don't know but I think it becomes obvious that you are not employed the moment you want to move out. The house becomes a prison.