Jobless in America

Down and out, but out of the count. That's one way to describe the two million or so American workers who've dropped out of the labor market, but whose ranks aren't reflected in the official unemployment rate. They're the statistical nonpersons who've opted to squeak by with a government check, rather than sweat it out with measly wages.

Tonight On Point: Unemployment's hazy picture, and the unexpected rise of the welfare state.

Guests:

David Leonhardt, national economy correspondent, The New York Times

Barbara Ehrenreich, author, "Nickel & Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America"

Kevin Murphy, George J. Stigler professor of economics, University of Chicago, and co-author, "Current Unemployment Historically Contemplated"