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The Social Consequences of High Unemployment*

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2009

Catherine Hakim
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Abstract

Forecasts suggest that unemployment will remain above 2 million in Britain for the best part of the 1980s. The social consequences of protracted high levels of unemployment are explored. The evidence comes from four types of source: cross-sectional surveys of (unemployed) individuals; longitudinal and cohort studies; aggregrate time series; and area-based studies. The advantages and limitations of each are identified. The available evidence on the consequences of unemployment for poverty; health and mortality; mental health; crime and delinquency; and the social fabric is reviewed. The implications for policy and public expenditure are explored.

Type
Articles
Information
Journal of Social Policy , Volume 11 , Issue 4 , October 1982 , pp. 433 - 467
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1982

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