Abstract
This article pays attention to youth unemployment as one of the most serious socioeconomic challenges in South Africa. The nature of unemployment in South Africa is followed by a discussion on the interconnectedness between unemployment and poverty. The psychological and theological meaning of work is discussed in short, followed by the psychological effect of unemployment. In order to indicate how unemployment undermines human dignity, certain theological themes on human dignity are outlined. The final section explores ways in which the church could assist in affirming human dignity in the context of unemployment.
Highlights
The final section explores ways in which the church could assist in affirming human dignity in the context of unemployment
Unemployment is mostly described as an economic issue, but it’s argued here that unemployment poses a threat to human dignity and should be a theological concern.The focus on youth unemployment is motivated by the fact that young people are the biggest cohort of new job seekers and are the most vulnerable group with regard to unemployment
Before indicating how unemployment poses a potential threat to human dignity, a theological perspective on human dignity is offered, followed by proposals on how the church could play a significant role in restoring human dignity in the context of unemployment
Summary
Unemployment is mostly described as an economic issue, but it’s argued here that unemployment poses a threat to human dignity and should be a theological concern.The focus on youth unemployment is motivated by the fact that young people are the biggest cohort of new job seekers and are the most vulnerable group with regard to unemployment. Little research has been done, especially in South Africa, on youth unemployment from a theological perspective. The article will first explore the problem of unemployment, utilising other discipline like psychology to interpret the effect thereof. The normative focus is through the lens of a theological perspective on human dignity. In light of the severity and the cause and effect of the problem and the normative perspective, certain pragmatic suggestions is made as to how the church could be an agent of speaking out against inhumane conditions and relations and restore and cherish human dignity in the context of unemployment
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
