lump of labor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lump of labor" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in discussions about employment and economics, referring to the idea that there is a fixed amount of work available in the economy. Example: "The belief in a lump of labor can lead to misconceptions about job creation and the impact of immigration on the job market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Economists call it the "lump of labor fallacy".

The New York Times

McAfee noted in our interview that some critics have accused him and Brynjolfsson of accepting the "lump of labor fallacy" (the idea that there is a fixed amount of work available) in defiance of economic history.

The New York Times

Economists have historically rejected what we call the "lump of labor" fallacy: the supposition that an increase in labor productivity inevitably reduces employment because there is only a finite amount of work to do.

The New York Times

"It's the Lump of Labor theory.

Forbes

This "boxed-economy" or "lump of labor" view of the world certainly makes sense on the surface as it is intuitive that a one-to-one relationship exists between new retirees and new jobs for younger workers.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

We can see direct evidence against the lump-of-labor fallacy in our own history.

The Washington Post

Second, lump-of-labor thinking -- and the policy paralysis it encourages -- feeds protectionism.

The New York Times

The lump-of-labor fallacy pervades thinking about trade and immigration, as well as many other misguided laws and policies.

The Washington Post

Sure enough, the lump-of-labor fallacy has resurfaced in the United States -- but with a twist.

The New York Times

But in America today you're more likely to hear lump-of-labor arguments from the right, as an excuse for the Bush administration's policy failures.

The New York Times

The latest lump-of-labor revival came to my attention when I realized how eagerly certain commentators were picking up on a new study by economists at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing economic theories, clarify the context in which you are using the term "lump of labor" to avoid misinterpretations. Specify if you are referring to the fallacy or a situation where it might temporarily appear valid.

Common error

Avoid treating the "lump of labor" concept solely as a fallacy. Acknowledge situations where technological advancements or economic downturns might create the temporary illusion of a fixed amount of work, even if the long-term trend defies this notion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lump of labor" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object in discussions related to economics and employment. As Ludwig AI indicates, it refers to the idea that there's a fixed amount of work available.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lump of labor" refers to the idea that there is a fixed amount of work to be done, a concept often viewed as a fallacy in economics. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically sound and used in discussions about economics and employment. While the term is most frequently used in news and media and academic contexts, it is important to use it carefully, clarifying whether you are referring to the fallacy or a situation where it might appear to be valid. Alternative phrases include "fixed amount of work" or "finite pool of jobs". Understanding the nuances of this phrase and its related fallacy is crucial for analyzing discussions on job creation and economic policy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Fixed amount of work

Directly replaces "lump of labor" focusing on the limited nature of available employment.

Finite pool of jobs

Emphasizes the limited number of employment opportunities.

Limited employment opportunities

Highlights the scarcity of jobs.

Job scarcity

A more concise way to describe the lack of available work.

Zero-sum job market

Implies that any job gained by one person is necessarily lost by another.

The pie is only so big

An idiomatic expression suggesting that resources, including jobs, are limited.

Static labor demand

Economic term for a situation where the total demand for labor does not increase.

Constant workforce demand

Similar to static labor demand, but emphasizes the workforce itself.

The cake is fully baked

Suggests the total amount of opportunity is already determined and cannot expand.

Closed economy

A broader economic concept where there is limited interaction with outside markets, potentially restricting job growth.

FAQs

What is the "lump of labor" fallacy?

The "lump of labor" fallacy is the mistaken belief that there is a fixed amount of work to be done in an economy, so creating new jobs is impossible and technological advancements reduce the number of jobs.

How can I use "lump of labor" in a sentence?

You can say, "The economist argued against the "lump of labor" theory, stating that innovation creates new opportunities"."

What are some arguments against the "lump of labor" theory?

Arguments include that new technologies can create new industries and jobs, increased productivity can lead to higher demand and more employment, and that human wants are unlimited, meaning there is always more work to be done.

Is the "lump of labor" theory ever correct?

While generally considered a fallacy, some argue that in specific, short-term situations, such as during recessions or periods of rapid automation, there might appear to be a fixed amount of work available. However, this is not a sustainable, long-term economic model.