Unemployment
It is critical to comprehend how unemployment affects communities and mental health because it can have negative effects on social, psychological, and economic well-being. This essay attempts to direct future research on unemployment during COVID-19, looking at the ways in which this crisis is different from previous recessions and the ways in which trauma and loss are relevant. The results may guide strategies and policies aimed at assisting individuals in overcoming the negative effects of the epidemic on their careers.
Acknowledging and using our own privilege : In *The Atlantic*, Joe Pinker writes about two very different experiences that the COVID-19 outbreak caused in America. Individuals in one group, whose jobs remained stable, faced new challenges like childcare arrangements and interrupted routines while they worked from home. In the meantime, those in the other group who were not allowed to work from home had to deal with downsizing, losing their jobs, and increased virus risks. It was essential to use our expertise to better people’s lives during those trying times as well as for scholarly goals.
Unemployment and inequality : The COVID-19 pandemic made already-existing inequalities in the US labour market worse, especially for workers in low-wage, precarious professions. In these roles, workers from marginalised communities were particularly vulnerable to stress and uncertainty since they frequently lacked job stability and benefits. Researchers looked into how unstable work affects people’s mental, physical, and financial health, especially in times of crisis like the epidemic. This collection of study included studies on the effects of long-term job uncertainty on individuals as well as studies on how government and nonprofit activities could reduce vulnerability.
Interface between work and family : It may have appeared counterintuitive at first, but it was important to research the work-family interaction while one is unemployed. Job seeking from home became a component of this connection while one was unemployed, as work is an essential element of life. The majority of the study that has already been done has been done on full-time workers, especially parents of small children. Thus, research on work-family interactions and policy profited immensely from an analysis of the work-family dynamic during unemployment.
The unemployed and their families were impacted by COVID-19-related unemployment. Whether family dynamics helped the unemployed, how job-seeking behaviours influenced other family members, and how family members discussed job loss were all significant research issues. Research looked at a variety of ages, ethnicities, and cultures in order to better understand these worries.
Participatory action research is one research approach that has made it possible for families with an unemployed parent to engage and voice their ideas. Studies with a long duration demonstrated the long-term effects of unemployment on jobs and relationships. People were able to deal with unemployment when job search sessions and career education were provided as incentives.
Youth unemployment : A recent report from the International Labour Organisation states that young people were already having trouble finding jobs before the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic made job losses and insecure young employment more widespread worldwide. Due to this circumstance, young workers were momentarily shut out of the labour market. In order to get past this barrier, academics concentrated on learning about the viewpoints and experiences of young people without work before coming up with solutions based on their research. In order to detect changes in the priorities, job attitudes, and lifestyle choices of teenagers, information on their viewpoints and experiences was acquired. Youth empowerment and professional development were fostered through research engagement and customised solution development.
Final Thoughts : The study recommendations presented here underscored the need for additional studies, initiatives, and support for people who lost their jobs and were grieving during the pandemic. It was emphasised how important it is to base studies on the lived experiences of the unemployed, since their circumstances may differ from those of prior times of unemployment. We thought that by combining rigorous quantitative methods with participatory research, we could improve our understanding of unemployment and create workable solutions. The academic community was urged to concentrate on helping and supporting jobless people by means of programmes like online courses and materials. This work was well regarded and was thought to be more important than ever for carrying out significant research.
