Vulnerable Populations, Unemployment Issues & Future Solutions -SJU Nicole Palin
Unemployment for many is a concern that effects mind, soul, body and spirit. Not having a steady income is a constant worry and is a determent to the household unit. Most recently the employment sector has grown in some ways however, for many within vulnerable populations the rates of unemployment are steadily climbing. African Americans especially suffer from this crisis the most. Because of poverty, lack of education and institutionalized racism many find themselves constantly looking for employment that is not consistent.
Furthermore, for example the medium income for African Americans within the City of Philadelphia is between $26,728. Approximately, 44% of the city’s population is African American however the job market is scare for this racial class. Another city where this continues to be a constant issue is Chicago. In 2016 alone 762 individuals were murdered and this total currently for 2017 is at 150. Violence is an extreme determent to finding reliable unemployment. Many within these communities suffer greatly from PTSD and have great fears concerning safety of simply walking within their own neighborhoods.
This is one of the many reasons that unemployment rates in cities such as Philadelphia and Chicago are the highest. According to the Chicago Tribune black young adults are seven times more likely than white young adults to not be employed or participating in educational opportunities. This negative cycle of unemployment brings on a life span of poverty violence, substance abuse and incarceration. There are some positive alternatives that are beginning to change these serious unemployment patterns and they are:
Developing more interest in math and science programs especially for those in extremely violent neighborhoods. Because these types of concepts are crucial to all aspects of this countries activities.
Pushing Congress for more manufacturing jobs which are located in several parts of the country but sadly not in cities like Philadelphia and Chicago. The caveat is these jobs are requiring a college degree. However, many of these companies have educational programs which enables employees to receive specialized degrees through apprenticeship programs.
According to the New York Times John Deere (an organization that specializes in agricultural equipment) has designed a curriculum and has donated some equipment to several community colleges to train technicians for its dealer network program. Generally, 15-20 students are in this program each semester. In addition, if you are employed for John Deere and are a part of this program once completed you are able to graduate in two years with a job and a starting salary of approximately $40,000 a year.
Lastly, no human should live with the constant fear of random acts of violence, lack of healthcare, poverty and unemployment which is a major reality for many within vulnerable populations one that should not be in one of the richest nations in the world.
References
Ingram, C. D. (2007). The State of Black Philadelphia. Philadelphia: Urban League of Philadelphia.
Ruiz, E.-A. (2016). Chicago’s Racial Employment Gaps Among Worst in Nation . Chicago : Chicago Tribune .
Selingojan, J. J. (2017). Wanted: Factory Workers, Degree Required . NYC : New York Times .