Worklessness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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worklessness

[ˈwərk.ləs.nəs ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

lack of employment

Worklessness refers to the state of being without a job or employment. It is a condition where individuals are not engaged in any form of work or occupation, leading to financial instability and dependency on social welfare systems.

Examples of usage

Long-term worklessness can have negative effects on mental health.
Government policies aim to reduce worklessness and increase employment opportunities.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Sociology

Worklessness is often linked to economic factors, such as recessions or changes in industry that lead to job losses.
Communities with high rates of worklessness can struggle with social issues like poverty and increased crime.

Economics

Governments often monitor worklessness rates as important economic indicators to assess labor market health.
Investing in education and training programs is one way to reduce worklessness and improve job prospects for individuals.

Psychology

Experiencing worklessness can lead to feelings of isolation, decreased self-esteem, and depression, affecting mental health.
Studies suggest that long-term worklessness can reshape one's identity, making it crucial for societal support and integration.

Pop Culture

Movies and books often depict characters facing unemployment, reflecting societal challenges related to worklessness.
Songs like 'Working Class Hero' by John Lennon highlight the struggle of those affected by lack of work, resonating with audiences.

Origin of 'worklessness'

Main points about word origin

The word combines 'work', which comes from Old English 'weorc', meaning labor or effort, and 'lessness', indicating lack of something.
It describes a social condition that has been recognized since the early industrial age when job scarcity began to be more apparent.

The term 'worklessness' emerged in the mid-20th century as a way to describe the increasing numbers of people who were unemployed or not participating in the labor force. It gained prominence in social policy discussions as governments sought to address issues of poverty and social exclusion. The concept of worklessness continues to be relevant in debates around employment, welfare, and economic participation.