Unemployment and Social Alienation in India: A Statistical-Sociological Exploration

Abstract

Unemployment is not merely an economic indicator but a complex social phenomenon that has far-reaching consequences on individual identity, social relations, and societal integration. This paper explores the intricate relationship between unemployment and social alienation in India through a statistical-sociological lens. Using data from national surveys, including the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) and the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), alongside theoretical frameworks from Marx, Durkheim, and Seeman, this study investigates how joblessness contributes to a sense of powerlessness, normlessness, isolation, and self-estrangement among various demographic groups. The paper also evaluates the role of caste, class, gender, and urban-rural divides in mediating this relationship. The findings underscore the urgency of holistic employment policies that incorporate not just economic metrics but also social well-being and inclusion.