The Social Problem of Unemployment

Paper Summary:

The paper looks at the issue of unemployment and the social problems that it creates, along with how social work may help those that are unemployed. It examines the negative effects of unemployment, which includes the financial difficulties, social exclusion and the loss of some freedoms as a result of this, as well as long-term damage to skills. The paper also addresses issues caused by long-term unemployment; potential psychological harm, loss of motivation, and an increasing crime rate. The paper analyses the differences in unemployment between Europe and America and discusses what can be learnt in their fight against inequality and unemployment. The role of the social worker and the help they can give to those that are unemployed is discussed.

From the Paper:

"Some of the other problems caused by unemployment include psychological harm, ill health, lack of motivation, loss of family life, and racial and gender inequality. Psychological harm comes from the perception that someone who cannot find work must not be good for anything (Danser & Laub, 1981). It can destroy the lives of the unemployed turning them to alcoholism, suicide, and other problems. Racial and gender inequality is one of the biggest problems of unemployment. Ethnic tension increases when, for example, many whites have jobs while many blacks have been turned down for those same jobs. It adds to the intolerance of people of other races and genders, and can be very destructive to society."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Becker, G.S. (1968). Crime and Punishment: An Economic Approach. Journal of Political Economy 76:169-217.
• Brenner, H.M. (1978). Economic Crises and Crime. In Leonard Savitz and Norman Johnson, (Eds.), Crime in Society. New York: Wiley: 555-572.
• Danser, K.R. & Laub, J.H. (1981). Juvenile Criminal Behavior and Its Relation to Economic Conditions. Albany, NY: Criminal Justice Research Center.
• Fleischer, B.M. (1963). The Effect of Unemployment on Juvenile Delinquency. Journal of Political Economy 71:543-55.
• Hale, C. (1991). Unemployment and Crime: Differencing is No Substitute for Modeling. Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency 28:426-9.

More papers on The Social Problem of Unemployment:

• Research Paper # 92821 : "Social Work and Unemployment"
• Research Paper # 147398 : "Consequences of Unemployment in World Economies"
• Essay # 23090 : "Unemployment in Germany and Austria"

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