Youth unemployment is a massive challenge to our society. Unemployment is a source of multiple problems and uncertainties, as well as taking a big toll on person's physical and mental health. For that reason it is vital, that the unemployed people are included in the working environment as fast as possible, so that they can maintain relations with their co-workers, build a routine and be able to become independent. Young unemployed people are an especially vulnerable group, as they are entering the work environment immediately after years of education, which can be a very stressful period of their lives.
In the theoretical part of the master's thesis I presented youth unemployment and what are the main reasons for it, the strategies of dealing with it, psychosocial consequences of unemployment and the connection of this problem to social work.
With the master's thesis about youth unemployment I wanted to get a better insight into this social issue. I researched the meaning of work for young people, the reasons for unemployment, the influence of education on unemployment, different ways of finding employment, formal and informal ways of help to the unemployed and the effect of unemployment on their everyday lives.
With result, gathered within empirical, qualitative research based on a non-random convenience sample, I have discovered that unemployment has a big impact on young people. I got valuable insight from different opinions and views of the young and unemployed. I have found out, that employment is a crucial value for young people, that some of them are unemployed by their own free will, while the majority believe that they are unemployed because during their education, they received knowledge that is too general, too broad, which hinders them when they are searching for employment. They search for jobs mostly via informal networks and through Employment offices, which they are not satisfied with. Young and unemployed are mostly helped within an informal social network, with unemployment having both negative and positive consequences in their lives.
For solving of unemployment, different institutions can be helpful, such as centres for social work and employment offices.
I have found out, that there are differences between the different groups, that I have analysed – that those with higher education are often denied employment because of their higher education compared to those with lower levels of education, while also being less content with the help offered to them by the employment offices. One of the major findings of my master's thesis was also that those with lower levels of education are often unemployed by their own free will. Difference also emerged with solving of the housing issues – those, who live alone do not have as many informal forms of help, while also being subjected to uncertainty when it comes to paying their rent.
|
