South African women and unemployment: A social-economic perspective

Through an empirical study, questionnaire data obtained on 60 unemployed and 60 employed black women volunteers were analyzed to investigate the psychological effects of unemployment and mental health. The data showed that one's employment status affects mental health and self-esteem. Economic deprivation, in turn, was associated with subjective and emotional well-being. It was found that personal attitude toward unemployment and support from the family decrease negative aspects of unemployment. Employed black women report about significantly lower cases of health disorders. Further examinations showed that single parenthood and additional income were related with women's subjective well-being. The data obtained provide additional support for the importance of job fulfillment besides the economic benefits for black people. It is emphasized the role of family and social factors when there is no opprortunity to gaina job.