Social Consequences Of Long Term Unemployment Essay

Social Consequences Of Long Term Unemployment - Essay Example It is apparently clear that the ability to take huge risks thus amassing more wealth, is hinged on the level of income an individual has at his/her disposal. However, this is thwarted by lack of finances occasioned by unemployment especially long term based. According to Jackson and Crooks, (1993), the atmosphere and environment of unemployment relegates an individual to just existing rather than live. This statement captures how corrosive and disastrous unemployment can affect an individual and the society where unemployment is thriving. Machin et al, (1998), notes that long term unemployment as impacting on the loss of competitiveness in the labour market, thus leading to more unemployment rate in the economy. Moreover, this has a consequence of causing huge income disparities as it becomes quite challenging to competing in the job market as the individual’s skills and competencies that were acquired at any moment end up deteriorating with time due to lack of use. However, H elmut, (2000) paints a grin picture of the social consequences which result from long term unemployment. Unemployment, in a broad sense creates a vicious cycle of poverty that normally leads to the following social consequences that have in them a spiraling effect on the social and economic costs. These in turn, lead to harsh financial hurdles, corrosion of family ties and breakdowns, unserviceable debts, crime in order to survive, social exclusion, dwindling of self esteem and loss of confidence, homelessness and poor health, inaccessibility to quality services, depression and redundancy as pertains to work skills and competencies. Although unemployment may act as an impetus in causing economic action by governments, lack of proper policies may contribute to harmful consequences on the social as well as economic wellbeing of an individual and the country’s employment. Rebecca, (1994), argues that inefficient labour market fuels socio-economic challenges consequently leading to long term unemployment. With the existence of continued unemployment, the individuals get socially excluded. In addition, their economic capability is weakened. Individuals who are faced with long term unemployment effects find it challenging to live. They are forced to borrowing finances in order to survive. Since there are no sources of cash inflows, servicing of the debts become a hurdle. This is especially so with lone parents and those whose education is low. They lack the ability to compete with the increasing demands on the labour market as advanced skills are required to perform the jobs. Moreover, the consequences are so manifest on the young people. These bear the greatest brunt as adjusting to the labour market needs becomes quite challenging. Getting the necessary professional polishing by way of experience proves to be a herculean task as the transfer of skills is limited. Consequently, borrowing becomes the norm, creating a cycle of dependency resulting from lack of financial independency. The spiraling effects of long term consequences of unemployment, lead to deterioration of family ties and breakdowns as the financial instability cripples the purchasing power of the families. This results into confrontations as needs become quite elusive to cater for. The couples at this point may turn to securing financial aid or other sources of help through uncouth means such as prostitution or even drug trafficking. These in consequence contribute to infidelity as well as prosecution, leading to separation of families or divorce. The embarrassments caused by such actions lead to weakening of the social fabric and family ties. Furthermore, this contributes to