AN ASSESSMENT OF THE INFLUENCE OF UNEMPLOYMENT ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF YOUTH IN CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

The absence of a universally agreed-upon definition of Quality of Life is evident, as it is operationally defined in many studies. Farquhar (2018) categorises definitions of quality of life (QOL) into four distinct types: global, component, focused, and combination definitions. Global definitions of quality of life (QOL) are comprehensive, allowing individuals to determine which elements to incorporate without expressly specifying them. Marshall (2019) defines quality of life as an individual's subjective evaluation of their place in life, taking into account their cultural and value systems, as well as their objectives, expectations, standards, and worries.  This evaluates persons' contentment with every facet of life.  The word "quality of life" is commonly employed to express a comprehensive state of well-being (Victor et al., 2020).  It is not solely determined by one's physical health, but also by their mental well-being, interpersonal connections, ability to perform tasks, and personal perception of life contentment (Liu et al., 2018).  The concept is multidimensional and its definition and assessment are still a subject of controversy. It is conceptualised as the lack of pain or the ability to function in daily life (Mi, 2022).

Unemployment is a widely acknowledged global concern. Every economy is distinguished by its active and inactive inhabitants. The economically active individuals are those who are both eager and able to work, encompassing those who are actively involved in the production of goods and services as well as those who are now unemployed. According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO, 2017), the term "unemployed" refers to those within the economically active population who are currently without work but are actively looking for employment. This includes individuals who have lost their jobs as well as those who have chosen to leave their previous work voluntarily. Unemployment, as defined by Falana (2020), is the state in which individuals who are both eager and able to work are unable to secure appropriate paid employment. Monitoring and regulating macro-economic problems is a fundamental responsibility of every responsible government. The poverty level and the welfare concerns would increase. 

Multiple research have indicated a correlation between unemployment and negative health outcomes as well as decreased life satisfaction (Russel et al., 2018). A recent study conducted in eleven member states of the European Union (EU) revealed a strong correlation between unemployment and decreased levels of life satisfaction across all the nations examined (Gallie, 2019). Unemployment rates among young people in most Sub-Saharan African nations are significantly higher than the overall rates, typically reaching two to three times higher (Russel et al., 2018). Unemployment is a persistent issue in the majority of African nations. Unemployment leads to significant disparities in health among large segments of young adults and is linked to a decline in healthy behaviours among young individuals (Janlert, 2017). A recent study by Hammer (2022) has demonstrated a correlation between health issues among unemployed teens and the development of health problems in adulthood.

Jahoda's functional or deprivation hypothesis, as cited by Jackson et al. (2022), is a widely referenced explanation for the relationship between unemployment and poor health. This theory is grounded in non-economic demands, namely latent functions such as time structure, social interaction, personal objectives, individual status and identity, and engagement, that a job must satisfy in order to be considered satisfactory. Jahoda examined the impact of unemployment by analysing the characteristics of employment. Warr (1987), as cited in Jackson et al. (2022), has proposed a theory that lacks a clear differentiation between work and unemployment. Instead, Warr emphasises the need of considering the experiences obtained from both work and unemployment. According to Jackson et al. (2022), the reduction in mental health experienced by unemployed individuals is attributed to their inability to establish a purposeful and fulfilling life, which differs with the perspective of Jahoda and Warr. Regarding Jahoda's thesis, Jackson et al. (2022) contended that the functional approach fails to elucidate the diverse experiences and consequences of unemployment. MacArthur (2018) discovered evidence supporting the latent functions obtained from Jahoda's theory. However, MacArthur also emphasised that the psychological significance of paid job differs among individuals who are unemployed.

The issue of unemployment, especially among the youth, is a crucial concern in Cameroon, greatly impacting the overall well-being of a considerable portion of the population. Cameroon has a high youth unemployment rate of over 30%, which results in a lack of secure employment opportunities for many young individuals. This situation gives rise to several socio-economic difficulties (Neba, 2020). The dearth of employment prospects not only constrains their capacity to secure a means of subsistence but also impacts their holistic welfare, including their physical, mental, and social well-being. The correlation between unemployment and quality of life is intricate and diverse. Unemployment frequently leads to economic impoverishment, which subsequently might cause insufficient access to fundamental necessities such as food, housing, healthcare, and education. The current economic adversity amplifies social disparities and heightens susceptibility to poverty (Eban, 2021). The lack of employment opportunities has a detrimental effect on the self-esteem and sense of purpose of many young people, resulting in emotions of frustration, pessimism, and sadness (Mbah & Fon, 2018).

Furthermore, the issue of adolescent unemployment has wider societal ramifications. High levels of unemployment have a direct impact on the rise of crime rates, social unrest, and political instability. This is because young people who feel marginalised and excluded from society may turn to harmful ways of dealing with their situation (Tambe, 2019). These difficulties are exacerbated by the absence of social safety nets and insufficient government assistance for the unemployed, resulting in many young individuals without the essential means to enhance their circumstances (Neba, 2020).

Although unemployment has a significant effect on the overall well-being, there is a scarcity of studies investigating this particular association in the context of Cameroon. The majority of previous research has mostly concentrated on the overall economic consequences of unemployment, while allocating little consideration to its specific effects on the daily lives of young individuals. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of how unemployment affects the overall well-being is essential for creating specific solutions that tackle the economic and social aspects of unemployment. This study aims to address this deficiency by evaluating the influence of unemployment on the well-being of young individuals in Cameroon.

1.2 Statement of the problem

The issue of youth unemployment in Cameroon has become an urgent concern with significant implications for their quality of life. Although Cameroonian adolescents possess considerable potential to contribute to the nation's development, more than 30% of them are currently unemployed, highlighting the gravity of the issue (Neba, 2020). The elevated unemployment rate not only restricts economic prospects for young adults but also has a negative impact on other aspects of their lives, including as their psychological well-being, social relationships, and general life satisfaction (Ndiye, 2023).

Unemployment has a complex impact on the quality of life. From an economic standpoint, the absence of job hampers the capacity of young individuals to attain financial autonomy, obtain suitable housing, acquire quality education and healthcare, and meet their fundamental necessities (Eban, 2021). The economic deprivation frequently results in heightened poverty rates among young individuals, intensifying social disparities and constraining upward social advancement. Prolonged unemployment can have psychological consequences such as reduced self-esteem, heightened stress, anxiety, and depression (Mbah & Fon, 2018). Lack of ability to obtain substantial employment can gradually diminish one's sense of purpose and self-identity, resulting in emotions of pessimism and dissatisfaction. These psychological difficulties not only impact individuals but also have wider ramifications for the well-being of the community and the cohesion of society.

From a social perspective, unemployment can place pressure on relationships and diminish involvement in communal endeavours. Unemployed young people may encounter social isolation, less social resources, and limited chances for personal and professional growth (Tambe, 2019). Moreover, the feelings of frustration and exclusion linked to unemployment can fuel social unrest and raise the probability of engaging in detrimental behaviours, such as substance addiction or criminal acts (Eban, 2021).

Although the negative effects of unemployment on the well-being of young people in Cameroon are clear, there is a lack of research that precisely examines this connection within the Cameroonian setting. Prior research has predominantly concentrated on the economic ramifications of unemployment, including its causes and effects. However, there has been limited consideration given to the impact of unemployment on the general well-being of young individuals (Neba, 2020). The lack of research in this area impedes the progress of specific interventions and policies designed to reduce the negative impact of unemployment on young people. Hence, it is imperative to evaluate the impact of unemployment on the well-being of young individuals in Cameroon. This study seeks to address this research void by methodically investigating the economic, psychological, and social consequences of unemployment on young individuals. The study aims to offer significant insights that can guide policymakers, educators, and social service providers in creating policies and initiatives that improve the quality of life for unemployed youngsters and facilitate their integration into the workforce. Therefore, the necessity for this investigation arises.

Objectives of the study

The primary objective of this study is to critically assess the influence of unemployment on the quality of life of youth in Cameroon. Specific objectives of this study are to:

To assess the impact of unemployment on the standard of living of unemployed youth in Cameroon

To assess the impact of unemployment on the overall health of unemployed youth in Cameroon

To assess the impact of unemployment on the career aspirations of unemployed youths in Cameroon

To assess the impact of unemployment on the social life of unemployed youths in Cameroon

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions which are in line with the objectives of this study will be answered in this study:

What is the impact of unemployment on the standard of living of unemployed youth in Cameroon? 

What is the impact of unemployment on the overall health of unemployed youth in Cameroon?

What is the impact of unemployment on the career aspirations of unemployed youths in Cameroon?

What is the impact of unemployment on the social life of unemployed youths in Cameroon?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

To determine the effectiveness of this study, the following research null hypotheses will be formulated to guide the study and it will be tested at 0.05% levels of significance.:

Ho: Unemployment have no significant impact on the quality of life of youth in Cameroon

Ha: Unemployment have a significant impact on the quality of life of youth in Cameroon

1.6 Significance of the study

The study will have significant implications for various stakeholders, such as policymakers, youth in Cameroon, communities, students, and researchers. 

The issue of youth unemployment is a significant obstacle in Cameroon, impacting more than 30% of the youthful demographic. This study aims to offer a thorough comprehension of how unemployment impacts the quality of life for individuals, emphasizing the importance of addressing this issue at the national level.

Furthermore, the project will produce significant knowledge that can assist policymakers in developing specific measures by examining the diverse effects of unemployment on the economic, psychological, and social well-being of young people. Gaining insight into the precise domains in which unemployment detrimentally affects quality of life would facilitate the formulation of strategies that not only generate employment opportunities but also bolster the holistic welfare of the youth.

Furthermore, the high rate of unemployment among young people is frequently associated with wider societal problems, including criminal activity, social turmoil, and political instability. This study aims to examine the impact of enhancing work prospects and tackling the obstacles encountered by unemployed young individuals on fostering social cohesion and community stability in Cameroon. This study aims to enhance the agency of young individuals by providing them with a platform to contribute to the discussion on unemployment and quality of life. The knowledge acquired from their experiences and methods of dealing with challenges will be essential in developing more efficient and youth-oriented approaches to tackling unemployment.

Moreover, there is a scarcity of study on the correlation between unemployment and quality of life in the specific setting of Cameroon, especially among young individuals. This study aims to address a notable deficiency in the academic literature by offering empirical data and analysis that might serve as a basis for future research in this topic.

1.7 Scope of the study

Broadly, this study focus is to critically assess the influence of unemployment on the quality of life of youth in Cameroon. Empirically, the study will explore the impact of unemployment on the standard of living of unemployed youth in Cameroon, the impact of unemployment on the overall health of unemployed youth in Cameroon, the impact of unemployment on the career aspirations of unemployed youths in Cameroon and the impact of unemployment on the social life of unemployed youths in Cameroon. 

 Geographically, the study will be carried out in Beau, Cameroon. 

1.8 Limitations of the study

During the examination, the researchers observed intrinsic limitations that exist in all human actions. The primary constraint was the limited availability of comprehensive literature on the topic, stemming from the paucity of data on an evaluation of the impact of unemployment on the quality of life of young individuals in Cameroon. Consequently, a substantial investment of time and effort was required to choose the suitable materials, books, or information and collect data. 

Moreover, this study is limited by its limited sample size and restricted geographical coverage, primarily centred on Cameroon. Hence, the applicability of the conclusions drawn from this study is limited, underscoring the necessity for further investigation. 

Furthermore, the researcher's limitations were mostly due to financial restraints, as they are a student with inadequate financial resources to support themselves. The excessively high transportation fees at the research location presented a difficulty in fulfilling the financial responsibilities associated with transportation costs.

In addition, the researcher encountered a time limitation as a result of the necessity to do this research while simultaneously completing the responsibilities of attending lectures and engaging in other educational endeavors.

1.9 Definition of terms

Unemployment: Unemployment is a term referring to individuals who are employable and actively seeking a job but are unable to find a job. Included in this group are those people in the workforce who are working but do not have an appropriate job.

Unemployment rate: The unemployment rate is the percentage of people in the labor force who are unemployed. Consequently, measuring the unemployment rate requires identifying who is in the labor force. The labor force includes people who are either employed or unemployed.

Quality of life: Quality of life (QoL) is a concept which aims to capture the well-being, whether of a population or individual, regarding both positive and negative elements within the entirety of their existence at a specific point in time.

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