An Essay on Unemployment - Title: Disadvantages of Unemployment Introduction: Unemployment, an economic scourge, represents a significant ...
An Essay on Unemployment -
Title: Disadvantages of Unemployment
Introduction:
Unemployment, an economic scourge, represents a significant challenge for societies worldwide. It denotes the state of individuals willing and able to work but unable to secure employment. This essay delves into the multifaceted disadvantages of unemployment, its underlying causes, and potential remedies.
Meaning of Unemployment:
Unemployment encompasses individuals actively seeking employment opportunities yet failing to find suitable work. It encompasses both structural and frictional unemployment, where individuals face barriers to employment due to systemic issues or transitional phases in the labor market.
Causes of Unemployment:
There are several causes of unemployment, and it may vary according to country, economic growth, education, social mentality, nature, poverty, different policies, gender discrimination, or any other concerning issues. We are going to highlight certain important issues that largely affect the issue of unemployment.
1. High Population: Rapid population growth often outpaces job creation, exacerbating unemployment rates. If we talk about India, the ratio of aspirants seeking the jobs and actual availability of jobs is widening because of the country's high population. For example, in any particular sector, whether it is a Govt. or the private sector, if no. of vacancies is 250, but the number of applicants is 10,000, 20,000, or even more. So, the rest of the applicants are unable to get a job.
2. Lack of Technical Education: Inadequate training and education in technical fields result in a workforce ill-equipped to meet evolving industry demands. while pursuing any particular education, many aspirants do not do proper research about the availability of jobs in their particular field, and those who have completed technical education do not update themselves as per the market demands, because we are living in a competitive age where every second day, the technology gets changed or updated, so even techno persons are unable to secure the jobs.
3. Government Policies: Misguided policies hinder employment opportunities, such as excessive regulations or insufficient investment in job creation initiatives. Many times, it is observed that the policies made are not per the requirements on the grassroots level, and they just get benefitted to some part of the population.
4. Lack of Small-Scale and Cottage Industries: Limited opportunities in small-scale and cottage industries restrict employment options, particularly in rural areas. In India, there exists a tremendous scope in the field of small-scale or cottage Industries, but because of some reasons like lack of proper guidance, market demands, economic issues, know-how procedure or a particular skill required, unavailability of some basic need like electricity, water, types of machinery, skilled manpower, transportation, space, and tough competition from established industries, these sectors are not adequately growing, and so not generating a scope of employment.
5. Lack of Entrepreneurship: A dearth of entrepreneurial ventures stifles job creation and innovation within the economy. It is commonly observed that the most qualified professionals are running after secured kind of jobs, and never try to start their own start-up, industry, or business, and if they do so, not only they will be self-employed, but at the same time they can offer employment to some people directly or indirectly. But, in practice, we do not come across such a situation. Even govt. is trying to promote such start-ups or industries, but many prefer to go for a job because it involves financial risk. If entrepreneurship is increased, it will definitely create new jobs, and at the same time, professionals will enjoy work freedom and be their own bosses. ( Before some time, it was in the news that some professionals from IIT, started tea, and food outlets, and they are doing great business.)
6. Unnecessary Female Employment: Women entering the workforce out of societal pressure rather than genuine need contribute to job scarcity, though this percentage is low, still it exists. Some individuals are not in genuine need of a job, ( because they belong to financially stable backgrounds) they just acquire the job for the sake of some involvement or utilizing their free time, so the individual who is desperately in need of a job doesn't get it, and causes or widens the density of unemployment.
7. Increased use of Technology: In today's modern age, computers, and the latest technologies are being used in different sectors for rapid production or high consumer demands, and it is decreasing the requirement of a workforce or manpower.
8. Decline in Quality Industrial and Agricultural Production: Reduced productivity in key sectors leads to downsizing and job losses, amplifying unemployment rates. If quality production is increased in sectors such as industrial, agriculture, or service, then we may have a better opportunity for export, and by that, we would govern more employment.
9. Lack of Research and Development: R and D is a key factor for any country to grow, but we do not put enough effort into the field, if it is thoroughly done, then we can find thousands of products that the country needs, and if such products are manufactured, assembled, or made with the help of unemployed youth on a large scale, then I think, the problem of unemployed will simply vanished. Here, I would like to example of China, they are producing very small goods, products that are very useful for our daily needs, and by doing so, they are gaining enough amount of foreign exchange. We are not able to do so because of the insufficient will of research from Govt. as well as individuals.
( Here, I would like to give one simple example - That is of a solar mobile recharger. Just imagine, what would be the scope of such a solar mobile phone recharger, if it costs 50-100/ Rs. Many times we face difficulty in recharging our phones when we are in transit, in remote areas, in the field, etc. Remember India is an agricultural country, and nowadays each farmer spends the maximum of his time in his field, but he has no means to charge his phone's battery. Whatever solar chargers are available are too costly to afford by a common man, but if proper R and D are made and the price is cut down to 50-100 Rs, then every common man would buy it, there can be mass production, and what kind of employment it could generate, and this is just one product.
What are the possible bad effects of Unemployment on society :
Unemployment can have several negative effects on society, including:
1. Economic Strain: It can lead to decreased consumer spending, lower tax revenues, and increased government spending on unemployment benefits and social services. It is a great worrying issue as far as the economy of the country is concerned. The total number of unemployed individuals will have no active role in the economy as they don't have any money to spend, thus it will badly affect the economy.
2. Social Tension: Unemployment can fuel social unrest, increase crime rates, and exacerbate inequality, as marginalized groups may face greater difficulty finding employment. Crime rates are substantially increased in the area with a greater unemployment ratio.
3. Health Impacts: Joblessness is associated with higher rates of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, as well as physical health problems due to stress and lack of access to healthcare.
4. Education Disruption: Unemployment can disrupt education and training opportunities, as individuals may be unable to afford tuition or may need to prioritize finding any work over furthering their education.
5. Loss of Skills: Prolonged unemployment can lead to skill atrophy or obsolescence, making it harder for individuals to re-enter the workforce and contributing to long-term structural unemployment. If a person remains out of work for a long time, he or she may lose the acquired skills as there is no scope to polish or implement the skills.
6. Demographic Consequences: Unemployment can have long-lasting effects on fertility rates, family dynamics, and migration patterns, as individuals may delay starting families or move to areas with better job prospects.
7. Poverty: Unemployment and poverty are interrelated issues that badly affect each other. Actually, we can put it another way employment is the key factor to break the hurdle of poverty.
8. Overall Social Balance: It may badly affect the social balance, because in one particular society, each element plays a vital role in maintaining the balance, and if one particular group of people does not have enough means to survive, then other groups of the society may be hampered, and it may collapse the basic foundation of any society.
9. Youth Mindset: This is another important factor that is responsible for unemployment. Some of the individuals have a mindset that I will work for so and so sector with so and so package. They are not flexible about their jobs, and by that, they may stick to unemployment for a longer time. ( They don't think this way - Let me enter any field, I am honest and hardworking, and I will find my own way sooner or later because it is always said a job creates another one, and simply waste their valuable time with a folded hands and go into depression, and not ready to pick one which is currently available.)
Unemployment is a burning issue for any society or country, and if we go on discussing its possible causes, we could go for many other issues as it is an integral or unavoidable aspect. If it is not timely solved, it may adversely affect a society or a country.
Addressing unemployment requires comprehensive strategies that focus on education, job creation, and social support systems.
Remedies to Solve the Problem of Unemployment:
Education Reform: Prioritize technical and vocational education to align with industry needs, fostering a skilled workforce. In India, there are certain institutes ( IIT- Indian Institute Of Technology), that design their syllabus or curriculum as per market demand.
Encourage Entrepreneurship: Facilitate entrepreneurial endeavors through incentives, training programs, and access to capital to stimulate job creation. Here, banks or financial institutes can play a very crucial role in providing enough funds to individuals who have a great urge or potential to start their own business.
Support Small-Scale Industries: Promote the growth of small-scale and cottage industries through financial assistance, infrastructure development, and market access. In India, there exists a tremendous scope for these sectors, especially agro-based industries, because not only it will boost the rural economy but also will control the migration of people from villages to cities.
Gender Empowerment: Ensure gender equality in employment opportunities and provide support for women's economic participation based on merit rather than societal norms.
Infrastructure Development: Invest in infrastructure projects to stimulate job creation in construction and related sectors.
Policy Reforms: Implement pro-employment policies, including labor market flexibility, investment incentives, and streamlined regulations.
Skill Development Programs: Establish comprehensive skill development programs to retrain unemployed individuals and enhance their employability in emerging sectors.
Conclusion:
Unemployment poses profound social, economic, and individual challenges, undermining the well-being and prosperity of nations. Addressing its root causes demands a concerted effort from governments, businesses, and civil society. By fostering education, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth, societies can mitigate the adverse effects of unemployment and cultivate vibrant, resilient economies that benefit all citizens.
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What are possible bad effects of Unemployment on the society !
Unemployment can have several negative effects on society, including:
Economic Strain: It can lead to decreased consumer spending, lower tax revenues, and increased government spending on unemployment benefits and social services.
Social Tension: Unemployment can fuel social unrest, increase crime rates, and exacerbate inequality, as marginalized groups may face greater difficulty finding employment.
Health Impacts: Joblessness is associated with higher rates of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, as well as physical health problems due to stress and lack of access to healthcare.
Education Disruption: Unemployment can disrupt education and training opportunities, as individuals may be unable to afford tuition or may need to prioritize finding any work over furthering their education.
Loss of Skills: Prolonged unemployment can lead to skill atrophy or obsolescence, making it harder for individuals to re-enter the workforce and contributing to long-term structural unemployment.
Demographic Consequences: Unemployment can have long-lasting effects on fertility rates, family dynamics, and migration patterns, as individuals may delay starting families or move to areas with better job prospects.
Addressing unemployment requires comprehensive strategies that focus on education, job creation, and social support systems.
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