Define the term unemployment

On this page, we help students to answer the following question: “Define the term unemployment.” This is a critical concept within the Life Orientation Grade 12 Term 2 module on “Social and Environmental Responsibility.”

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Quick Answer

Unemployment Defined:

• The Core: A situation where people who are capable and willing to work are unable to find a job.
• The Criteria: To be counted as unemployed, a person must be of working age (15–64 in South Africa), actively looking for work, and currently available to start.
• The Impact: It leads tofinancial stress, a lowerquality of life, and challenges during thetransition to post-school destinations.

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Understanding Unemployment in South Africa

In the South African context, unemployment is more than just a lack of income; it is a systemic challenge that affects the emotional well-being and social stability of the country. According to the Grade 12 curriculum, it is defined by specific conditions.

1. The Official Definition

Unemployment occurs when individuals who are within the economically active population (those aged 15 to 64) are:

• Without work.
• Available for work.
• Actively seeking work or have taken specific steps to find a job or start a business.

2. Types of Unemployment

There are several ways unemployment manifests in our economy:

• Structural Unemployment: Occurs when there is a mismatch between the skills workers have and the skills employers need. For example, a learner may lack the specific study skills or digital literacy required for modern roles.
• Frictional Unemployment: The short-term period when a person is between jobs or is a recent graduate looking for their first post-school destination.
• Cyclical Unemployment: Linked to the ups and downs of the economy; when the economy slows down, businesses hire fewer people.

3. The Impact on Matric Learners

For a matriculant, the threat of unemployment can cause significant intrapersonal conflict and anxiety.

• Career Decision Making: Many learners feel pressured to choose careers based solely on job security rather than their personal values.
• Financial Planning: A lack of employment prospects makes researching funding options even more urgent to ensure they can gain the qualifications needed to become more “employable.”
• Moral Conduct: High unemployment rates can sometimes lead to the normalisation of corruption as people become desperate for opportunities.

4. Combating Unemployment

To reduce the risk of becoming unemployed, learners are encouraged to:

1. Develop a strong career portfolio.
2. Understand admission requirements for various institutions early on.
3. Consider innovative strategies for financial independence, such as entrepreneurship or “side hustles.”

Reference for Students:

• Subject: Life Orientation Grade 12
• Textbook: Focus Life Orientation Grade 12
• Chapter: Chapter 10: Social and Environmental Responsibility
• Topic: Unemployment and its impact on society.