SOCIO-ECONOMIC EFFECT OF UNEMPLOYMENT ON FAMILY STABILITY: DOES AGE AND EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT MATTER?

Abstract

The study examines whether employment status, educational attainment, family size, age and gender have any influence on family stability. The study used survey results of 150 married respondents. The study confirms the proposition that unemployment is detrimental to family stability. It is found that unemployment is one of the major factors leading to family instability. The evaluation also indicates that other factors: educational attainment and family size, also have a significant impact on family stability. However, the age and gender of the respondents have no significant effect on family instability. Unemployment and poor education could lead to family instability, hurting children’s development and employment prospects. Policy to provide access to education and employment creation are recommended to reduce unemployment and, by extension, family instability. This will go a long way in reducing the social-economic problem and crime in society.