Unemployment

Writing styles > Opinion-based

Cause and effect essays look at the reasons (or causes) for something, then discuss the results (or effects). The language of cause and effect is important in academic writing because it helps answer the question, why?

Some Causes and Effects of Unemployment

The causes of unemployment are different from one country to another. For example, in developed countries unemployment can be caused by the economy being in a recession. Recession is a financial term that refers to a period of general economic decline in which trade and industrial activity are reduced. In less developed countries, however, unemployment is of a different nature. It usually occurs when the labour force of a country grows higher and faster than its resources and income. In recent times, the labour force in India has been growing at more than two per cent per year, nevertheless, its capital has not been growing at the same pace. As a result, the government has not been able to offer employment to new people in the labour market.

Governments try to keep their unemployment rates down, but when a recession grows globally, it becomes an economic crisis. The two major recessions in human history were the Great Depression in 1929 and the global financial crisis in 2008. During those recessions, small to medium businesses as well as large industries closed down and laid off large numbers of workers.

When recessions occur, receiving training in new skills is often the fastest way to find a new job and avoid long-term unemployment. However, until a jobless person finds employment, he or she may suffer a number of consequences such as not being able to pay for necessities or obtaiin a mortgage.

Who are the unemployed? (3:25):

Source: Government of Singapore (2012). Who are the unemployed? Remember: press “CC” to turn “Subtitles” on

Employment and unemployment (4:45):

Source: Government of Singapore (2012). Employment and unemployment. Remember: press “CC” to turn “Subtitles” on