A Qualitative Analysis of the Socio-Psychological Impacts of Unemployment on Youth in Mardan Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa

Abstract

Youth unemployment in Pakistan has evolved into a serious socio-psychological and economic challenge with far-reaching consequences. This study aims to analyze the socio-psychological impacts of unemployment on youth. The purposive sampling was used for the selection of sampling size through which data were collected purposively from 27 respondents (Those who are the fresh degree holders). An interview guide was used as a tool for conducting interviews with the study respondents. The data were analyzed through thematic analysis. The data revealed that unemployment leads to social marginalization, un-marriageability and drug addiction. Furthermore, they reported that unemployment negatively affects social status, marriage prospects, and family well-being, particularly among married men. Respondents also highlighted job insecurity, corruption, and weaknesses in the recruitment and education systems as major sources of frustration, contributing to growing socio-psychological issues among the young generation.