Social
Issues
Certificate
This is certified to be the Bona fide work
of Sagar Gupta, Ridham, Pushkar ,
Pranav Garg and Parth Jain of class
12th -B, roll numbers – 31,21,26,32 and
34 respectively on Social Issues in the
English class during the academic year of
2024-2025 as per the guidelines issued
by Central Board of Secondary
Education.
Miss Ekta Kalra
Table of Contents
1. Preface - 01
2. Abstract - 02
3. Introduction - 03
4. Unemployment 04 - 14
5. Gender Inequality 14 - 16
6. Conclusions - 18
7. Bibliography -20
Preface
The project is based on major emerging
social issues – “unemployment and
gender inequality”. It is very significant
to study about these. We will know more
about our country, what population of
India is employed, causes of
unemployment, does gender inequality
still grows between us and ,any more.
While studying we shall conclude ways to
eliminate or atleast decrease the level
they are at.
Abstract
This report will lay emphasis on
unemployment and gender inequality
from getting :-
• To know more about unemployment
and gender inequality.
• To figure out impact and causes of
unemployment and gender inequality,
• To evaluate the current situation of
these in India.
• Impact of COVID-19.
• Some ways to eliminate them.
Introduction
Unemployment is a phenomenon which
occurs when a person who is actively
searching for employment is unable to
find work. The unemployment rate is the
percentage of the labour force without
work and Gender inequality is
discrimination on the basis of sex or
gender causing one sex or gender to be
routinely privileged or prioritized over
another. Gender equality is a fundamental
human right and that right is violated by
gender based discrimination.
Types of
Unemployment
1. Frictional Unemployment
The unemployment caused due to economic
frictions. arising from changes in employeur's
demand for different types of labour.
2. Seasonal Unemployment
This type of unemployment exists due to the
seasonal nature. of some industries. In India,
This type of unemployment. is observed in
agriculture sector.
3. Technological Unemployent
This type of unemployment is caused due to
technological advancements which have led to
the decline in demand for manual labour...
4 Residual Unemployment
In every country, there is always a residue of
unemployment, due to frictional and seasonal
causes, which planners and policy makers cannot
reduce. In addition, there might be some people who
are not wiling to work but get their names.
registered with employment exchanges in order to
get the compensation amount from the government.
5 STRUCTURAL UNEMPLOYMENT
This type of unemployment is observed due to a
change in the structure of economy. This type of
unemployment occurs. occurs due to rise of one
industry and decline of the other.
6 CYCLICAL UNEMPLOYMENT
Majorly unemployment is caused due to change in
economy. However, in 1930s and 1980s, the most
severe unemployment type was experienced as a result
of great economic depression.
7 HIDDEN UNEMPLOYMENT
This form of unemployment is also called disguised.
unemployment. During temporary fall in demand,
employers retain a great number of employees. This
ensures them no shortage of labour once the demands
go up again.
Causes of Unemployment
1 Population explosion.
2. Lack of vocational and technical education.
3. Rural areas lured people migrate its cities for
office jobs..
4. Many people are physically unfit for hard
manual jobs.
5 Shyness towards factory jobs.
6. More preference for white collard jobs.
7. Negative reaction of the society towards
certain jobs.
8. Lack of vocational education results in
backwardness untechnical skill requiring jobs.
Unemployment in India
Although there are many reasons for the
unemployment in India, here are some major
ones mentioned:
1 Growth of Population
Due to the increase in population. The
competition for a job is massive as a number of
applicants apply for the same job.
2. Lack of interest in Industrial Sector
Most of the youth show interest in profitable
administrative. jobs and refuse to work in
industrial sector.
3. Preference for experienced
The biased nature towards the experienced
candidate over a newer candidaet contributes to
unemployment.
Youth Unmployment
Youth unemployment is the unemployment
defined via young individuals who a jobless aging
from 15 to 24 years, by The UN. To qualify as
unemployed, the person needs to be without
employment, inclined and capable to work, and
actively searching for a job. Your 9/12
unemployment rates have a tendency to be
higher than adult unemployment rates all over
the globe.
Steps Taken by Government
1 Mahatma Gandhi National Real Employment
Guarantee Act.
In 2005, Government of India launched
MGNREGA, which guarantees 100 days of
employment to an unemployed person belonging
to rural area in one year If the government fails to
provide employment, then they still pay
compensation amount to the applicants.
2 National Career Service Scheme
The ministry of labour and employment, India
launched a web portal (www.nes.gov.in). Through
this portal, employees can avail the facility of a
common platform for updating job information. 3
Rural Employment Guarantee Programme
This programme aims at creating employment
oppurtunities in rural areas and small towns.
Under this programme, one can get financial
assistance from banks to set up an enterprise.
4.Prime Minister's Rozgar Yojana.
PMRY aims to provide self-employment
opportunities to educated youths who seek
employment.
5.Swarna Janti Gram Swarozgar Yojna
The basic objective of SGSY in to bring assisted
poor families above poverty line by providing
income generating. assets through mix of bank
credit and subsidy.
6.Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana
SGRY was launched the government of India in
order to provide additional and supplementary
wage employment and thereby provide food
security and improve nutritional levels in rural
areas.
Way Forward
It is difficult to find an instant answer to the
problem of unemployment Problems can only be
solved in a timely manner if honest efforts are
made.
1.Population control.
2. Encouragement to cottage industries.
3. Agricultural development.
4. Promotion of vocational courses.
5.Reinforcement of existing policies.
Impact of COVID-19
The overall consequences of unemployment are
not good, while now The coronavirus pandemic
has left a devastating effect of the economy of
India. All the countries are in lockdown to prevent
the spread of coronavirus. This has taken a toy on
the economy. within a month, the rate of
unemployment increased. from 6.7%. on March
15, 2010 to 26%. on April 19,2010 It is estimated
that 140 million people lost employment
The Impact of AI on Unemployment
Introduction:
AI advancements in recent years have led to significant changes in the
job market.
AI is playing an increasing role in various industries such as
manufacturing, healthcare, and finance.
Positive Effects:
Automation of repetitive tasks allows employees to focus on more
complex and creative work.
Creation of new job categories, such as AI specialists and data
scientists.
Increased productivity and efficiency in various sectors.
Negative Effects:
Displacement of jobs in sectors like manufacturing and customer
service.
Skills mismatch requiring retraining and upskilling of the workforce.
Short-term job losses due to the rapid adoption of AI technologies.
Statistics
India
o By 2030, around 69% of jobs in India are at risk of automation.
o AI could create over 1 million new jobs in India by 2025, particularly in
tech and IT sectors.
o The AI market in India is projected to grow from $3.1 billion in 2020 to
$11.8 billion by 2025.
Worldwide:
o Approximately 47% of total US employment is at risk of automation by
the early 2030s.
o AI-related fields are expected to create around 2.3 million new jobs
globally by 2025.
o Global AI market is projected to grow from $29.82 billion in 2020 to
$299.64 billion by 2026.
Public Perception of AI and Job Security
General Sentiment:
Public opinion on AI in the workplace is mixed, with both optimism
and concern.
Surveys indicate that around 37% of people fear AI will lead to job
losses, while 34% believe it will create new job opportunities.
Concerns:
Fear of job displacement, especially in roles involving repetitive tasks.
Concerns about job quality and the potential for decreased wages in
some sectors.
Anxiety over the need for continuous learning and adaptation to keep
up with AI advancements.
Optimism:
Many believe AI will create new job opportunities, particularly in tech
and AI-related fields.
AI has the potential to enhance job satisfaction by eliminating
mundane and repetitive tasks.
AI could lead to improved work-life balance by increasing efficiency
and productivity.
Examples:
The healthcare industry has seen AI assist with diagnostics, leading to
more accurate and faster patient care.
In the finance sector, AI is used for fraud detection and personalized
financial advice, creating new roles in AI oversight and development.
Quotes: "AI has taken over the repetitive parts of my job, allowing me
to focus on strategic tasks," said a project manager in a tech
company.
Gender Inequality
Causes of Gender Inequality in India
Gender inequality is a pervasive issue in India,
impacting Indian women and girls in a variety of
ways. While there are many causes of gender
inequality, some of the most common include:
Poverty
Given all the development and recent rise to
prominence, we often forget that India is still one
of the poorest countries in the world, and it is one
of the biggest reasons that lead to gender
inequality in India. Despite the availability of
education in rural areas, families prefer sending
their boys to school rather than the girls of the
family, which is one of the biggest disadvantages.
Patriarchal Setup in our Indian Society
Since time immemorial, India has been an
extremely patriarchal society. The patriarchal
setup in Indian society contributed to the
fundamental inequality between men and women.
As women were considered a part of the
household belonging to their father or husband,
they were unable to get a say in any matters
concerning their own development or that of the
community at large.
Lack of Awareness Among Women
One of the major causes of gender inequality is
the lack of awareness among women about their
rights and their ability to achieve equality. This
lack of awareness is often due to the prevailing
cultural and social norms, which dictate that
women should be subservient to men. It is
important to break down these barriers and help
women become more aware of their rights so that
they can demand equality.
Social Customs, Beliefs and Practices
The views of society, customs and cultural
practices play a big role in keeping women at
lower places in the society – refusing them
opportunities, which are generally provided to
men, who are considered the dominant ones in
India.
Technology and Digital Divide
Access to technology has become crucial for economic and social
development. In India, a significant digital divide persists, especially along
gender lines, limiting women's access to information and opportunities and
perpetuating gender inequalities. This section explores the causes, impacts,
and potential solutions to bridge this digital divide.
The Extent of the Digital Divide
1. Access to Digital Technology
o Ownership of Devices: Only 21% of women in India own a
smartphone compared to 42% of men. This gap is more
pronounced in rural areas where cultural norms and economic
constraints further limit women's access to technology.
o Internet Connectivity: As of 2019, only 33% of internet users in
India were women, with rural women being the most
disadvantaged.
2. Digital Literacy
o Education and Training: Women often lack basic digital skills
due to educational disparities, particularly in rural and
economically disadvantaged areas.
o Gender Norms: Societal attitudes often discourage women from
engaging with technology, as they are expected to focus on
domestic duties rather than professional or educational
pursuits.
Impact of the Digital Divide
1. Economic Opportunities
o Employment and Entrepreneurship: Access to digital
technology opens up numerous economic opportunities. The
digital divide limits women's economic potential and contributes
to the overall gender pay gap.
o Financial Inclusion: Without access to digital financial services,
women remain excluded from essential financial activities,
hindering their economic empowerment.
2. Education and Learning
o Remote Learning: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the
critical role of digital technology in education. Girls without
access to digital devices and the internet were
disproportionately affected.
o Skill Development: Women who lack access to digital platforms
miss out on acquiring new skills essential in a rapidly changing
job market.
3. Social and Political Participation
o Information Access: Women without internet access are less
likely to be aware of their rights and available resources, limiting
their societal participation.
o Political Engagement: Digital exclusion reduces women's ability
to engage in political processes and civic activities.
Bridging the Digital Divide
1. Policy Interventions
o Government Initiatives: Programs like Digital India and
PMGDISHA aim to enhance digital literacy and internet access in
rural areas. These programs must be gender-sensitive to ensure
women benefit equally.
o Subsidies and Incentives: Providing subsidies for digital devices
and internet connectivity can make technology more affordable
for women.
2. Community-Based Programs
o Digital Literacy Campaigns: NGOs and community organizations
can promote digital literacy among women through tailored
training programs.
o Local Access Points: Establishing community internet centers in
rural and underserved areas can provide women with access to
digital technology and training.
3. Encouraging Female Participation in STEM
o Education Reforms: Encouraging girls to pursue STEM education
can help address the gender gap in technology use and
innovation.
o Role Models and Mentors: Highlighting successful women in
technology and providing mentorship opportunities can
motivate young women to pursue careers in tech.
Steps That Should be Taken to Eliminate
Gender Inequality
1. Promote Education for All Genders: Ensure equal access to quality education
and teach about gender equality from an early age.
2. Implement and Enforce Anti-Discrimination Laws: Strengthen and enforce
laws prohibiting gender discrimination in all areas.
3. Encourage Women in Leadership: Support women's participation in
leadership roles across all sectors with policies that facilitate their
advancement.
4. Close the Pay Gap: Eliminate the gender pay gap through equal pay for equal
work, regular pay audits, and transparent pay structures.
5. Support Work-Life Balance: Introduce flexible working hours, parental leave,
and affordable childcare to support work-life balance for all genders.
6. Challenge Gender Stereotypes and Norms: Address and challenge harmful
stereotypes and norms, promoting diverse representations in media and
education.
7. Provide Access to Reproductive Health Services: Ensure access to
comprehensive reproductive health services, including family planning and
maternal health care.
8. Promote Gender-Sensitive Education: Integrate gender studies into curricula
to raise awareness and understanding of gender issues.
9. Support Victims of Gender-Based Violence: Fund and establish support
services for victims, enforce strict laws against perpetrators, and provide legal
aid and counseling.
10. Engage Men and Boys: Involve men and boys in advocating for gender
equality and challenging traditional gender roles.
Conclusion
Addressing unemployment and gender inequality in
India is crucial for achieving sustainable economic
growth and social justice. Despite progress, women
still face significant barriers in education, employment,
and wages due to cultural norms and systemic
discrimination. Comprehensive policy interventions,
such as improving access to education, enforcing equal
pay laws, and promoting female entrepreneurship, are
essential. Collaborative efforts from the government,
private sector, and civil society can help bridge these
gaps, ensuring that women have equal opportunities
to contribute to and benefit from India's economic
development. Achieving gender equality in the labor
market will lead to a more equitable and prosperous
society.
Bibliography
The following texts were referred:
• The times of India
• Hindustan Times
• Economics Times Other referred resources:
www.onlinelibrary.wiley.com www.un.org
www.niti.gov.in www.worldbank.org
https://chatgpt.com/c/9e9d15f7-416a-48e6-a4c5-7228fc2dc437