Which of the following groups is NOT usually counted in the labor force?

The correct answer is that individuals who have given up searching for work are not usually counted in the labor force. The labor force is typically defined as the sum of all individuals who are employed and those who are actively seeking employment. This means that those individuals who are actively looking for jobs or who are currently employed, whether part-time or full-time, are included.

However, individuals who have stopped looking for work—often referred to as "discouraged workers"—do not count toward the labor force because they are not actively seeking employment. This distinction is important for understanding labor market statistics, such as the unemployment rate, which only considers those who are either employed or actively looking for work. Thus, recognizing this group as not part of the labor force provides insight into labor market dynamics, particularly during economic downturns when more individuals may become discouraged.