This document discusses unemployment in the Caribbean region. It defines unemployment and lists types of unemployment. It then describes four main causes of unemployment in the Caribbean: 1) the number of new entrants to the labor force exceeds available jobs, 2) the education system does not adequately prepare workers for technical jobs, 3) industries are capital-intensive creating few jobs, and 4) job creation cannot keep pace with population growth. Effects of unemployment include declines in income, health, and living standards as well as increased crime and social problems. The document proposes several ways to reduce unemployment such as early retirement plans, job incentives for investors, skills training, and supporting small businesses.

1. Unemployment
GRADE 11 SOCIAL STUDIES

2. Objectives
Define the types of
unemployment
after viewing a
table
01
Describe atleast 4
causes of
unemployment in
the Caribbean
02
Analyse 3 ways of
reducing
unemployment
within a country
03

3. What is Unemployment?
This refers to a situation
where a person is the labour
force, is capable and willing
to work, but has not found a
job as yet.
For Example:
1. Not looking for a job
2. Ill – with a chronic or
temporary disease
3. Full time students
4. Pre school children
5. Retired people
6. Housewives
7. Laid off
8. Awaiting results of
application for
employment

4. CAUSES AND EFFECTS
OF UNEMPLOYMENT
IN THE CARIBBEAN

5. Causes
Cause #1- The number of people entering the labour force every year surpasses the capacity of
the economies to generate additional employment.
Cause #2 - The education system as a whole is still not yet adequately preparing persons with
the knowledge and skills needed for the increasing number of technical jobs available, for
example in the information technology industry
Cause #3- There are too many capital-intensive industries in the industrial sector. There are
highly mechanized with a relativity small number of jobs being created, eg: the energy sector,
such as the oil industry
Cause #4 – The number of jobs being created each year cannot keep the pace with the number
of persons entering the job market. Hence, unemployment keeps rising

6. Causes (continued)
Cause #5 – Imports of goods and services into the region are much greater than exports. The
jobs created as a result would be in the foreign markets and not the local ones. Regional markets
within the Commonwealth Caribbean are small, hence limiting production. It is hoped that
membership in larger organizations such as the Association of Caribbean States will improve the
situation.

7. Effects
Less income available, which results in restrictions on buying power.
Basic need may not be met
Decline in standard of living
Loss of wealth, savings and property because of inability to service loans
Decline in physical health
Low self esteem
Emotional and psychological problems occur and social relationships are affected
Frustration can lead to violence, crime, substance abuse, prostitution
Appearance of suicidal tendencies

8. Widespread Unemployment leads to:
Social unrest and political instability
Underutilization of human resources
Fall in productivity
Social burden of the government
Less money being generated in the economy because of the large numbers of persons who are
unemployed. This may lead to more unemployment.

9. SOLUTIONS TO
UNEMPLOYMENT

10. Unemployment can be
solved by:
Provide early retirement plans
Create incentives for local or foreign investors so that they can generate
jobs and money
Provide appropriate and relevant training and development of skills
Inject capital into labour-intensive projects
Place greater emphasis on agriculture and agriculture-based industries
Encourage small business ventures
Provide tax shelters and tax relief measures.