Correct Answer: Individuals who are unemployed and actively seeking employment.

Solution : The correct answer is (a) Individuals who are unemployed and actively seeking employment.

The concept of "open unemployment" refers to individuals who are unemployed and actively seeking employment. These individuals are available for work and are actively engaged in job search activities, such as submitting job applications, attending job interviews, and actively seeking job opportunities. Open unemployment represents the portion of the labor force that is actively looking for work but has not yet found employment.

It is important to distinguish open unemployment from other forms of unemployment, such as hidden unemployment or underemployment. Hidden unemployment refers to individuals who are unemployed but not actively seeking employment, such as discouraged workers who have given up looking for work due to a lack of job opportunities. Underemployment refers to individuals who are employed but are working part-time or in jobs that do not fully utilize their skills and qualifications.

Therefore, open unemployment specifically refers to individuals who are without a job, available for work, and actively searching for employment.