To what extent do high unemployment rates, especially among young people, and the lack of decent working conditions lead to social frustration and labour migration? How should socio-economic policy be conducted to solve these problems?
From my research and observations, it is clear that high unemployment, especially among young people, and the lack of decent working conditions are pressing problems affecting many countries around the world. Unemployment means a lack of income, a feeling of helplessness and social exclusion, and a loss of faith in the future. The lack of decent working conditions, such as low wages and a lack of legal protection, forces people to take jobs that do not guarantee them a decent life. These problems have a negative impact on the economy, limiting the financial possibilities of the state and leading to an increase in social tensions. An effective solution requires investment in economic development, job creation, promotion of entrepreneurship and the fight against discrimination in the labour market. Research plays an important role in identifying the causes of unemployment and developing effective economic activation programmes.
And what is your opinion on this topic?
What do you think about this issue?
Please reply,
I invite everyone to the discussion,
Thank you very much,
Best wishes,
I invite you to scientific cooperation,
Dariusz Prokopowicz
By implementing a coordinated socio-economic strategy that encompasses job creation, decent work conditions, education, regional development, and social safety nets, governments can reduce social frustration and labor migration while fostering an environment conducive to sustainable economic growth. This not only enhances the well-being of individuals but also strengthens community resilience and national cohesion.
The interplay of your Dariusz Prokopowicz mentioned issues can lead to a cycle of economic instability and social unrest that requires comprehensive socio-economic policies to address.
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Socio-Economic Policy Recommendations:
My personal opinions: I think different societies have different expectations toward "employment". Having short-term jobs (e.g., cashier works at McDonalds, Barista at Starbucks) can also mean that ppl are temporarily being employed, which I do not think it is a bad thing. However, in Chinese culture, if you do not have a stable job, people will project some very negative feelings, and vice versa. But I would argue that having jobs does not unequivocally mean that people are happy about their lives. Totally different things. This reminds me of a plumber in my student flat in the UK. I previously thought he took pride in what he did - helping students to unclog their toilets, but he told me that he could choose another job if he were young in his 20s again. In this case, even though he was employed, he was still frustrated, definitely not happy. What is important is that he did not migrate outside of the UK too. Another interesting case is that even though some of my friends went to work after finishing their BA or MA degrees, they felt they do not like their jobs too. Therefore, I assume it is not "higher unemployment" that causes social frustration and massive migration.
As I say, getting a job depends on many many contextual factors (e.g., motivation, abilities in taking a job, communication abilities, connections, hard-work, luck, and so on), but it is still manageable. Can the relevant stakeholders try to figure it out for young people to make a HAPPY LIFE? I simply just doubt it.
Very good and important reflection Wenyang Wei ; while unemployment rates can contribute to social frustration, they are just one of many factors that drive migration. A comprehensive understanding of migration requires considering a multitude of economic, social, political, and environmental influences.
It’s understandable to be skeptical about whether stakeholders can effectively create conditions for a happy life for young people. Achieving happiness is complex and highly individual, influenced by many factors such as personal circumstances, mental health, societal expectations, and access to resources
While stakeholders can take steps to create supportive environments, the path to happiness is ultimately a personal journey that varies from individual to individual. It's reasonable to doubt whether they can fully achieve this goal, but collaboration and genuine engagement with young people can make a significant positive impact.
Personally, Dariusz Prokopowicz Wenyang Wei , I firmly believe that the relevant stakeholders, be they parents, educators, or community leaders, can and should strive to facilitate a happy life for young people. To achieve this, they must first understand the nature of happiness, which I describe as the realization of one's potential and the cultivation of virtues.
In my view, the stakeholders should focus on providing young people with the necessary tools and guidance to develop their intellect, morals, and character. This can be accomplished by imparting knowledge, instilling good habits, and nurturing their emotional and spiritual well-being.
Just as a gardener tends to a garden, providing the right conditions for growth and flourishing, so too can the stakeholders create an environment conducive to the young person's happiness. By offering wisdom, support, and opportunities for personal growth, they can help the young people navigate the challenges of life and unlock their full potential.
Ultimately, the pursuit of happiness is a lifelong journey, and it is the responsibility of the stakeholders to empower young people with the wisdom, values, and skills necessary to make informed decisions and cultivate a deep sense of fulfillment and joy. By doing so, they can indeed help the young people create a happy life, one that is filled with purpose, meaning, and a sense of connection to themselves, others, and the world around them.
El alto desempleo genera una grave frustración social al impactar con la identidad, estabilidad económica y confianza tanto de las instituciones como de los propios trabajadores. En cambio, la migración laboral se trata de una respuesta a la falta de oportunidades que este colectivo desarrollan en lugares provenientes de su nacionalidad.
El trabajo social potencia gran importancia en moderar estos efectos que afectan a un porcentaje poblacional, ofreciendo así apoyo emocional y social e impulsar cambios estructurales en cuanto a las políticas laborales.
High unemployment has a significant impact on social frustration and the increase in labor migration due to a combination of psychological, economic, and social factors. Below are the main relationships between these phenomena:
1. Social frustration caused by unemployment
- Psychological impact: Prolonged unemployment generates feelings of anxiety, sadness, insecurity, and hopelessness. Many people experience demotivation after repeated job rejections, which can lead to psychological disorders such as depression and social exclusion.
- Social exclusion: Unemployment affects not only individuals but also households. Data shows that households headed by unemployed individuals face a significantly higher risk of social exclusion, amplifying inequalities and tensions within society.
- Perception of failure: Employment is often seen as a dignifying element; its absence generates shame and guilt, contributing to social isolation.
2. Labor migration as a response to unemployment
- Search for economic opportunities: In contexts of high unemployment, many people choose to migrate in search of better job opportunities. This is especially common when local economies cannot absorb the existing labor supply.
- Immigration and labor market dynamics: Migration projects are often motivated by labor reasons. In receiving countries like Spain, immigration has helped fill vacancies in sectors with low local demand (agriculture, construction, caregiving), although immigrants tend to face higher rates of unemployment and job insecurity.
- Labor competition: The coexistence of high unemployment rates with massive migration flows can create social tensions due to competition for available jobs, particularly in sectors with low wages or precarious conditions.
3. Relationship between unemployment and migration
- Unemployment acts as a "push factor" that drives people to leave their countries or regions of origin. This phenomenon intensifies when economic expectations become unsustainable or when local support networks are insufficient.
- On the other hand, migration flows can also respond to structural imbalances in the labor market in receiving countries, where certain occupations remain unfilled by the local population due to unfavorable conditions.
Citations:
In response to your question, according to the study conducted by María Arrazola, Sofía Galán, and José de Hevia in 2018, the unemployment rate varies depending on the country you are in. However, at least in Europe, based on Eurostat data from 2017, the unemployment rate among those under 25 years old was higher than that of older individuals. Additionally, young people generally held lower-quality and less stable jobs. This situation has severe consequences not only for these young individuals but also for society as a whole.
Unemployment and job instability lead to a lack of self-esteem, which manifests in both physical and mental health problems. Furthermore, it prevents young people from achieving essential life goals, such as becoming financially independent or moving out of their family homes, and increases their risk of social exclusion. All these factors drive young people to migrate to other countries in search of better job opportunities and avenues to develop their talents. This migration results in a significant loss of talent and productive human capital in their home countries, exacerbating population aging.
Regarding the socio-economic measures needed to address this issue, they depend on the specific country and its overall socio-economic situation. Using European countries as an example, the European Union has implemented the Youth Employment Initiative, consisting of various political and economic measures aimed at alleviating this problem. One key component is the Youth Guarantee schemes, which help individuals under 25 receive the skills, guidance, and training necessary to secure employment. Additionally, each country implements its own national measures, supported by the European Social Fund, tailored to their particular circumstances.
These measures have proven effective, as youth unemployment in Europe generally decreased to 14.9% in February 2020 (just before the pandemic), reaching a historic low. Following the European example, it can be concluded that, in general, a viable socio-economic policy solution involves directing funding towards enhancing education for young people through personalized programs. This approach helps them acquire the skills genuinely needed to find employment, along with individualized career guidance programs tailored to each young person's situation.
Links:
https://www.funcas.es/wp-content/uploads/Migracion/Articulos/FUNCAS_PEE/156art06.pdf
https://employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies-and-activities/european-employment-strategy/youth-employment-support/youth-employment-initiative-yei_es
High unemployment significantly contributes to social frustration and labor migration:
The extent depends on the duration of unemployment, social safety nets, and availability of alternatives. Effective policies can mitigate these effects.
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