ECS2604
EXAM PACK
, lOMoARcPSD|18222662
Labour Economics
ECS2604
Second Semester 2024
ASSESSEMENT 03
Question 1
Discuss why South Africa should regard increases in the unemployment rate
as its biggest social problem.
The social costs of high unemployment refer to the negative impacts that
unemployment can have on individuals, families, and communities.
South Africa should regard increases in the unemployment rate as its biggest social
problem due to several reasons.
Financial strain: Unemployment can lead to a reduction in income and an
increase in financial insecurity, as individuals may not have the resources to
meet their basic needs or pay for necessities such as housing, food, and
healthcare.
Mental health problems: Unemployment can have a negative impact on
mental health, as individuals may experience stress, anxiety, and depression
due to their financial situation and loss of purpose and social connections.
Relationship problems: Unemployment can also strain relationships, as
individuals may feel isolated, anxious, or depressed, and may be unable to
contribute to the household or support their families.
Social disruption: High levels of unemployment can lead to social disruption
and unrest, as individuals may feel disenfranchised or disconnected from their
communities.
A rise in inequality: High unemployment can contribute to income inequality
by reducing the income and opportunities available to certain groups, and by
exacerbating existing disparities in the job market. For instance, racial and
, lOMoARcPSD|18222662
ethnic minorities, women, and young people, may be more likely to
experience unemployment and discrimination in the job market. This can
lead to further disparities in income and opportunities.
Persistently high unemployment creates negative externalities and can threaten the
social fabric that holds communities together. Therefore, addressing unemployment
is crucial for South Africa's sustainable development and social stability.
Question 2
Discuss the problems facing the South African education system in your own
observations and give solution to how the problem could be alleviated.
Problems facing the South African Education System
Inequality: There is a significant gap between well-resourced schools and
those in disadvantaged areas, leading to unequal access to quality education.
For example, the lack of basic amenities, infrastructure and learning
resources in South African townships and rural schools.
Quality of Education: The overall quality of education is often low, with high
dropout rates and poor academic performance. Most children in primary
school are coming out of school without the 3 basic R’s of education that is
the ability to Read, wRite and aRithmetics
Lack of Infrastructure: Many schools lack basic infrastructure such as
classrooms, libraries, and sanitation facilities, impacting the learning
environment.
Teacher Shortages: There is a shortage of qualified teachers, particularly in
rural areas, leading to overcrowded classrooms and reduced quality of
education.
, lOMoARcPSD|18222662
Social – economic Barriers: Learners generally do not have a culture of
reading and a lack the motivational push to learn from their community and
families. Also, many learners in townships and rural areas come from families
affected by poverty, hunger and parents with little or no education themselves.
Addressing the challenges facing the South African education system requires a
multifaceted approach that tackles various issues, including quality of education,
access, infrastructure, and socio-economic factors. Here are some key strategies:
Improving Quality of Education
Curriculum Reform: Update the curriculum to ensure it is relevant and aligned
with current job market needs, incorporating critical thinking and problem-
solving skills.
Teacher Training and Support: Invest in ongoing professional development for
teachers, focusing on pedagogy, classroom management, and subject-
specific knowledge.
Enhancing Access and Equity
Infrastructure Development: Build and renovate schools, particularly in rural
and underserved areas, to provide safe and conducive learning environments.
Increased Funding: Allocate more resources to education, ensuring that
disadvantaged schools receive adequate support.
Addressing Socio-Economic Barriers
Nutrition and Health Programs: Implement school feeding programs and
health services to address the physical well-being of students, which can
impact learning.
Community Engagement: Involve parents and communities in the education
process to foster a supportive environment for students.
Utilizing Technology
EXAM PACK
, lOMoARcPSD|18222662
Labour Economics
ECS2604
Second Semester 2024
ASSESSEMENT 03
Question 1
Discuss why South Africa should regard increases in the unemployment rate
as its biggest social problem.
The social costs of high unemployment refer to the negative impacts that
unemployment can have on individuals, families, and communities.
South Africa should regard increases in the unemployment rate as its biggest social
problem due to several reasons.
Financial strain: Unemployment can lead to a reduction in income and an
increase in financial insecurity, as individuals may not have the resources to
meet their basic needs or pay for necessities such as housing, food, and
healthcare.
Mental health problems: Unemployment can have a negative impact on
mental health, as individuals may experience stress, anxiety, and depression
due to their financial situation and loss of purpose and social connections.
Relationship problems: Unemployment can also strain relationships, as
individuals may feel isolated, anxious, or depressed, and may be unable to
contribute to the household or support their families.
Social disruption: High levels of unemployment can lead to social disruption
and unrest, as individuals may feel disenfranchised or disconnected from their
communities.
A rise in inequality: High unemployment can contribute to income inequality
by reducing the income and opportunities available to certain groups, and by
exacerbating existing disparities in the job market. For instance, racial and
, lOMoARcPSD|18222662
ethnic minorities, women, and young people, may be more likely to
experience unemployment and discrimination in the job market. This can
lead to further disparities in income and opportunities.
Persistently high unemployment creates negative externalities and can threaten the
social fabric that holds communities together. Therefore, addressing unemployment
is crucial for South Africa's sustainable development and social stability.
Question 2
Discuss the problems facing the South African education system in your own
observations and give solution to how the problem could be alleviated.
Problems facing the South African Education System
Inequality: There is a significant gap between well-resourced schools and
those in disadvantaged areas, leading to unequal access to quality education.
For example, the lack of basic amenities, infrastructure and learning
resources in South African townships and rural schools.
Quality of Education: The overall quality of education is often low, with high
dropout rates and poor academic performance. Most children in primary
school are coming out of school without the 3 basic R’s of education that is
the ability to Read, wRite and aRithmetics
Lack of Infrastructure: Many schools lack basic infrastructure such as
classrooms, libraries, and sanitation facilities, impacting the learning
environment.
Teacher Shortages: There is a shortage of qualified teachers, particularly in
rural areas, leading to overcrowded classrooms and reduced quality of
education.
, lOMoARcPSD|18222662
Social – economic Barriers: Learners generally do not have a culture of
reading and a lack the motivational push to learn from their community and
families. Also, many learners in townships and rural areas come from families
affected by poverty, hunger and parents with little or no education themselves.
Addressing the challenges facing the South African education system requires a
multifaceted approach that tackles various issues, including quality of education,
access, infrastructure, and socio-economic factors. Here are some key strategies:
Improving Quality of Education
Curriculum Reform: Update the curriculum to ensure it is relevant and aligned
with current job market needs, incorporating critical thinking and problem-
solving skills.
Teacher Training and Support: Invest in ongoing professional development for
teachers, focusing on pedagogy, classroom management, and subject-
specific knowledge.
Enhancing Access and Equity
Infrastructure Development: Build and renovate schools, particularly in rural
and underserved areas, to provide safe and conducive learning environments.
Increased Funding: Allocate more resources to education, ensuring that
disadvantaged schools receive adequate support.
Addressing Socio-Economic Barriers
Nutrition and Health Programs: Implement school feeding programs and
health services to address the physical well-being of students, which can
impact learning.
Community Engagement: Involve parents and communities in the education
process to foster a supportive environment for students.
Utilizing Technology
