774 THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY
the plans may be profitable. A feature of initial importance is that of the forms of invalidity against which insurance is given. In this respect the American enterprise is much more compre- hensive than any of the European. All the latter exclude non- employment caused by sickness or accident. These are covered in most cases by other associations to which the laborer belongs, at least if employed. This elimination removes a great burden from the association guaranteeing the indemnity. But the American workman is not so protected ; and under normal con- ditions a large portion of non-employment is due to these causes. In 1892 more than one-third of the 7.7 million German workmen insured under their compulsory-insurance law received benefits for such invalidity. All of the systems except voluntary non- employment as a matter of course ; also when due to negligence, incompetency, inebriety, and similar causes within the control of the individual insured. Strikes are similar exemptions, in the case of the Chicago company including all who are thrown out of employment on account of a strike, whether they voluntarily par- ticipate or not. The latter company makes one further possible exemption which is deemed "extra-hazardous." That is in case more than twenty-five persons, members of the association, employed by any one person or firm become unemployed at any one time by reason of a "shut down" or any other cause. Then the total number of beneficiaries is entitled to receive only so much indemnity as twenty beneficiaries would be entitled to receive, based on a salary of $40 per month, this being paid/n? rata.
All other forms of involuntary non-employment entitle one to receipt of benefits, though a refusal to accept work when offered is an indication of voluntary non-employment. In the European systems departure from the locality invalidates all claims. A somewhat similar provision in the American system is that a change of occupation or location, without notification and approval, to an occupation or location more hazardous or uncertain as to permanency renders the contract voidable at the option of the association. Delinquencies in all cases forfeit the
