Which of the following describes temporary and part-time workers who experience short periods of employment and long periods of unemployment?

The description of temporary and part-time workers who go through short periods of employment followed by extended periods of unemployment aligns well with the concept of a contingent workforce. This term refers to a labor force that includes a diverse range of employment arrangements such as freelancers, part-time workers, and temporary employees. These workers are often engaged on an as-needed basis, which is reflective of the sporadic nature of their employment.

In contrast, the other options describe different employment situations that do not fit the criteria provided. Self-employed individuals typically work consistently for themselves, defining their own employment duration rather than fluctuating between employment and unemployment. The professional core generally refers to a stable group of full-time employees within an organization, which does not match the temporary and precarious nature outlined in the question. Therefore, the contingent workforce is the most accurate description of the scenario given.