Title: Unemployment
Author: Jatin Santosh Patil
Literature Review:
Unemployment Trends in Asia-Pacific Countries
Furuoka, Fumitaka examines unemployment trends in 12 Asia-Pacific countries from 1980 to 2013. The study finds that in countries such as China, Taiwan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Thailand, unemployment tends to return to normal levels after rising, indicating more flexible and dynamic labor markets. In contrast, the remaining seven countries show less responsive labor markets, where high unemployment is more persistent over time. These differences highlight the importance of country-specific policies to effectively manage unemployment and enhance labor market stability.
Who Suffers Most from Unemployment
Motiram, Sripat and Naraparaju, Karthikeya state that unemployment should be measured not only by identifying whether a person is unemployed, but also by considering the duration and intensity of unemployment. Using data from India between 1993 and 2012, they argue that although overall unemployment rates have declined, inequality among the unemployed has increased. They further observe that unemployment is more concentrated among higher-educated groups and remains a serious concern for them. According to the authors, policy interventions should focus not only on reducing the number of unemployed individuals but also on addressing the deeper inequalities within the unemployed population.
Main Issues of Unemployment in Urban India
Krislznamurly, J. carefully examines the available data from the 1960s and suggests that urban unemployment rates in India were relatively low during that period. He argues that even when more “generous” definitions of unemployment are used, the difference in estimates remains small, and the much higher live register estimates appear to be unreliable. He further observes that literate individuals up to the secondary level, particularly those in their twenties, faced a serious unemployment problem. In contrast, the unemployment issue among graduates was less severe. According to him, an employment policy that focuses solely on eliminating graduate unemployment may actually worsen the overall unemployment situation.
Reasons for Unemployment in Rural Haryana, India
Chahal, Deepika and Rani, Anju explain that unemployment in rural Haryana is strongly linked to social and economic inequalities. They find that women, less-educated individuals, and those without vocational training face greater employment challenges, while higher levels of education significantly improve job prospects. Their study also shows that individuals from low-income families and those engaged in casual work are more vulnerable to unemployment, whereas regular salaried employment and agricultural work provide relatively greater stability. The authors emphasize the importance of inclusive policies, skill development initiatives, and expanded employment opportunities to strengthen rural communities.
Why Young People in India Face Unemployment
Bohini, Karuna; Yaganti, C. Hussain; and Thomas, Mini P. examine the sharp rise in India’s youth unemployment rate from 15.5% in 1991 to 23% in 2019, despite a decline in the share of young people within the working-age population. Using advanced statistical analysis, they explore the demographic and economic factors contributing to this increase. The authors particularly emphasize the role of the millennial generation, which entered the workforce after 1995, in shaping unemployment trends. By analyzing variations across education levels and gender, they provide a deeper and more human-centered understanding of why many young Indians continue to face difficulties in securing employment.
How Education Affects Job Search and Unemployment in Urban India
Fallon, Peter R. examines the duration of job search and unemployment among educated jobseekers in India and compares their experiences with those of less-educated individuals. He finds that the level of education is closely related to the length of time people spend searching for employment. His study also shows that unemployment duration is influenced by personal characteristics and family background. Overall, Fallon emphasizes that securing employment depends not only on educational qualifications but also on individual circumstances and support systems.
How COVID-19 Increased Unemployment in India
The Covid-19 pandemic severely disrupted India’s economy, leading to sharp increases in unemployment across states between May 2020 and August 2021. Using state-level data and advanced analysis, the study finds that both rural and urban areas experienced job losses, with urban unemployment—especially among women—being significantly higher during the first wave. Covid-related risks strongly worsened unemployment across different regions of the country. The findings highlight the need for both immediate support, such as direct cash transfers, wage subsidies, and MSME assistance, and long-term measures like PM-SYM, PDS, and MGNREGS to protect vulnerable workers and strengthen social security systems.
The Social Effects of Unemployment in India
Patra, Joydeb; Das, Sthitabadhi; Biswas, Ishita; and Kar, Himan argue that unemployment is not merely a lack of income, but a condition that deeply affects how individuals perceive themselves and their role in society. Focusing on India, they demonstrate that joblessness often leads to feelings of isolation, powerlessness, and social disconnection, particularly shaped by caste, class, gender, and rural–urban differences. Drawing on national survey data and sociological theories, the authors contend that employment policies should move beyond economic growth alone and address broader issues of social well-being and inclusion.
Link Between Youth Unemployment and Crime in the U.S.
Data from 1958 to 1990 show that youth crime in the U.S. is linked to unemployment among 16- to 19-year-olds. Higher unemployment is associated with changes in both violent and property crime arrests, though the effects differ by crime type. Over time, rising unemployment is especially connected to increases in some property crimes like robbery and burglary, while auto theft shows the opposite trend. Overall, youth unemployment influences crime patterns, but not in the same way for every offense.
‘vote chori’
Rahul Gandhi has criticized the BJP-led government over rising youth unemployment, calling it the biggest concern for young Indians. He claims the government has failed to create enough jobs and alleges that the Bharatiya Janata Party stays in power through unfair practices, which he refers to as “vote chori.” Gandhi says young people are increasingly aware of these issues and must stand up for both employment opportunities and fair democracy.
Conclusion
Unemployment is a big problem because it does not only mean people do not have money, but it also affects how they feel about themselves and their place in society. In the United States, when more young people (ages 16–19) do not have jobs, some types of crimes like robbery and burglary increase, but not all crimes rise in the same way. In India, unemployment causes people to feel lonely, powerless, and left out, especially depending on their caste, class, gender, education, and whether they live in rural or urban areas. In places like rural Haryana, women, less educated people, and those without skills training face more job problems, while people with higher education or stable jobs are more secure. Youth unemployment in India has increased over the years, and even educated young people sometimes struggle to find jobs or have to search for a long time. Studies also show that unemployment may be low in some periods, but young literate people in their twenties still face serious problems. During the COVID-19 pandemic, unemployment became much worse in both rural and urban areas, especially for women, and many workers lost jobs. In the Asia-Pacific region, some countries recover from unemployment quickly, while others face long-term job problems. Overall, unemployment is not the same for everyone, and it can lead to social problems, crime, inequality, and frustration among youth, so governments should create more jobs, improve skills, support poor and vulnerable groups, and make fair policies that help people feel included and secure.
Reference
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