An analysis of the sociological variables which separate the employed from the unemployed in a typical peri-urban community.

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to establish the extent to which the un employed people in South Africa are placed at a disadvantage in the labour market as compared to the employed people. Two sample populations were investigated in a typical peri-urban community and certain variables were studied, namely demographic, educational and employment variables. The results strongly indicate that the unemployed people are regarded as 'under class' citizens and lack the protection they deserve in the labour market. Based on their backgrounds they are severely disadvantaged and if no positive steps are taken to improve the situation by training and development, entre preneurial support and government projects especially in the rural areas, the levels of unemployment will continue escalating accompanied by increasing poverty and high crime levels. This creates a vicious cycle acting as a deterrent to overseas investors. From this study it can be surmised that the creation of jobs only is not the solution to the problem we are faced with. The solution is certainly more holistic. Another area of study was to establish whether the current Labour Market Model is an appropriate one taking into consideration the current environ ment of escalating unemployment and poverty. The model is regarded as be ing inflexible in an environment such as ours. More flexibility may help curb the escalating levels of unemployment.