Social Exclusion of Unemployed Individuals
As a term, social exclusion is used rather commonly; however, the exact meaning of it may be unclear due to the lack of a precise definition and the fact that exclusion can be perceived differently by different people and groups (Atkinson & Hills, 1998). The confusion with the term and its meaning are based on its relative application (the groups from which one is excluded, the reasons for exclusion, and its manifestations), its changeable agents – some individuals may facilitate their own exclusion, and some are forced to be excluded from their social groups or specific circumstances that are beyond their control; also, communities and groups may become the victims of exclusion just as much as individuals (Atkinson & Hills, 1998).
Finally, another prominent characteristic of exclusion is its dynamics. In particular, in relation to unemployment, social exclusion may occur not specifically because some people are jobless or lack regular income, but because they have little to no opportunities or prospects for the future (Atkinson & Hills, 1998). In addition, in regard to unemployment, since this problem is in direct relation to money, the phenomenon of social exclusion tends to apply across more than one generation as low-income parents are more likely to fail to provide opportunities for their children. Also, Kieselbach and Treiser (n.d.) noted that social exclusion associated with unemployment usually is characterized by multiple dimensions such as the isolation from the educational system (due to the inability to afford studies), society and culture (because of socially unacceptable standards of living); also it is linked to institutional, spatial, and economical types of exclusion.
Statistically, according to the data of the World Bank (2016), over the last couple of decades, there have been several peaks of unemployment registered worldwide – the first occurred in 1999, and two more in 2002 and 2003 with 6.59, 6.54, and 6.52 percent rate of unemployment accordingly; further, in 2007, the registered rate of global unemployment was the lowest estimating 5.5 percent; another peak occurred in 2009 when the prevalence of unemployment rose to 6.2 percent. The latest statistics gathered last year show a relatively low rate of 5.7 percent worldwide (The World Bank, 2016). In the countries of Europe, the rate of unemployment varies between 3 and 23 percent with the highest numbers in Ireland and Greece and the lowest – in Iceland, Norway, Germany, and Malta; the United States show a low rate of 4.3 percent and Japan has one of the best statistics in Asia – 3.2 percent (“Unemployment statistics,” 2017).
The Reasons for Social Exclusion of Unemployed People
As it was mentioned previously, social exclusion of individuals without jobs is a multidimensional phenomenon that involved various manifestations of exclusion that occur due to different reasons. First of all, the major cause of exclusion associated with unemployment is the lack of income; this tendency is recognized as economic exclusion (Kieselbach & Treiser, n.d.). It manifests itself as a type of isolation driven by the low-income groups’ and individuals’ inability to afford a socially desired or approved way of living, thus forcing them to a lower social status and causing their alienation from groups with more luxurious lifestyles. Moreover, the exclusion is also noticeable at the institutional level due to the lack of privilege and benefits granted by a higher socioeconomic position (Kieselbach & Treiser, n.d.). For instance, this form of exclusion is represented by the isolation from healthcare and educational benefits; also, it deprives the marginalized groups of prospects for the future and thus can apply through several generations (Atkinson & Hills, 1998).
The Result of Social Exclusion
There exist many adverse outcomes of social exclusion due to unemployment, and they differ depending on the exact dimensions and forms of exclusion marginalized people experience. In particular, Bynner (n.d.) specified that people and groups with low levels of income who are institutionally isolated tend to face such outcomes as poor literacy (in cases where educational isolation takes place) or bad health (due to isolation from healthcare systems and deprivation of the benefits that it offers). Also, insufficient income may result in malnutrition and dangerous living conditions. Moreover, people faced with extreme poverty may draw to unlawful behaviors as ways to earn money which endangers the marginalized individuals, as well as the groups around.
The Ways to Integrate Unemployed People into Society
Bynner (n.d.) recommended integration by means of provision of opportunities to the socially isolated unemployed individuals. In particular, this integration strategy is expected to lead to the participation of isolated groups and individuals in different spheres of social, cultural, and institutional life, as well as their progress towards a more equitable position in the society (Bynner, n.d.).
To be more precise, more alternative employment opportunities and help with finding work could be the ultimate solution to all the results and adverse effects linked to the social isolation of people without jobs. Also, social aid, subsidization, and other helping benefits could help address some of the disadvantages faced by unemployed individuals and low-income communities. In turn, these solutions could help minimize public health and literacy problems, as well as the rates of criminal activity in low-income areas.
References
Atkinson A. B., & Hills, J. (1998). Exclusion, employment and opportunity. Web.
Bynner, J. (n.d.).Risks and outcomes of social exclusion insights from longitudinal data. Web.
Kieselbach, T., & Treiser, U. (n.d.). Long-term unemployment and the risk of social exclusion among young people in Europe: Recommendations for activation policies. Web.
Unemployment statistics. (2017). Web.
The World Bank. (2016).Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate). Web.