The Demographics of Unemployment

"At a time when the American economy is trending down and the unemployment rate is ticking up, one out of every seven U.S. workers fear they will be laid off in the next 12 months, according to a recent Pew Social and Demographic Trends survey."

As the economy hits a rough spot, the worry of being "laid off" will escalate in coming months. The worry of losing one's source of income coupled with the financial stress encountered during a down-turn will cause additional pressure on the stability of the family in the U.S.

Those families that do encounter unemployment will require additional short-term support to get them through this trying period. Additional spiritual support should be targeted on males as they enter a period of depression and lowered self-confidence during times of unemployment. A higher tendency to avoid church community contact due to the personal shame men exhibit during unemployment is a significant problem. Men's ministry pastors should be proactive in seeking out unemployed males for personal counseling as well as creating events such as weekly lunches for unemployed men to come together with other men to network for job opportunities as well as receive encouragement.

Courtesy of Trend Ping