6.3.5

Globalisation & Worklessness

Test yourself

Globalisation and ‘Worklessness’

Some argue that globalisation has also increased unemployment and the potential to be workless.

Illustrative background for WorklessnessIllustrative background for Worklessness ?? "content

Worklessness

  • ‘Worklessness’ is a new term that is beginning to be used more frequently.
  • Worklessness is not the same as unemployment, even though there are several different definitions of worklessness.
  • ‘Worklessness’ is not only about unemployment; there are far greater numbers of people who are workless than unemployed.
Illustrative background for Unemployment Illustrative background for Unemployment  ?? "content

Unemployment

  • To be officially classed as unemployed, people need to be actively looking for work and available to start work, but there are people who are out of work yet do not fall into the narrow category of being ‘unemployed’.
Illustrative background for Workless peopleIllustrative background for Workless people ?? "content

Workless people

  • Workless people might be caring for children or family members and would be included in the wider definition of worklessness but would not be included in the unemployment figures even if they are looking for work.
Illustrative background for Worklessness and employment Illustrative background for Worklessness and employment  ?? "content

Worklessness and employment

  • Employers within a globalised economy have no need to be flexible towards employees with additional caring responsibilities, instead, they can ‘import' flexible employees from the around the EU.

The Consequences and Effects of Worklessness

Worklessness has consequences for the individual and society.

Illustrative background for Consequences for the individualIllustrative background for Consequences for the individual ?? "content

Consequences for the individual

  • A loss of identity, status and self-esteem.
  • Poverty and debts.
  • Social isolation and social inclusion.
  • A loss of identity that has arisen through lifestyle choices which are no longer available.
Illustrative background for Consequences for the individual cont.Illustrative background for Consequences for the individual cont. ?? "content

Consequences for the individual cont.

  • More ill-health through poorer diets, stress and anomie arising from a loss of routine.
  • Increasing family stress as a consequence of tighter financial situations and confusion over roles.
Illustrative background for Consequences for society Illustrative background for Consequences for society  ?? "content

Consequences for society

  • Declining trades union membership and fewer strikes as people become more concerned about losing their jobs.
  • Declining or stagnating wage levels and potentially poorer working conditions because employers no longer need to attract workers.
  • More alienation and dissatisfaction at work as people have fewer opportunities to change jobs and end up stuck in a job they no longer want or don’t enjoy.
Illustrative background for Consequences for society cont.Illustrative background for Consequences for society cont. ?? "content

Consequences for society cont.

  • Increased poverty, homelessness, mental illness and other social problems.
  • Rising demands on the welfare state; fewer people in work to pay the taxes to fund benefit payments, pensions and rising health costs.

Jump to other topics

1Theory & Methods

2Education with Methods in Context

3Option 1: Culture & Identity

4Option 1: Families & Households

5Option 1: Health

6Option 1: Work, Poverty & Welfare

7Option 2: Beliefs in Society

8Option 2: Global Development

9Option 2: The Media

10Crime & Deviance

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson