Qualitative study on the influence of motivation on unemployed youth in Cape Town

Abstract

The research study was conducted in Cape Town, South Africa. The aim of the research study was to explore the individual experiences of youth unemployment and motivational factors that influenced their job seeking behaviour. The primary research question is “What motivational factors influence job seeking behaviour in Cape Town?” The secondary research questions are “How does unemployment affect an individual psychological well-being?” and “What is the difference in the local job market and opportunities offered to unemployed youth in Cape Town compared to other cities in the Western Cape and internationally.” The sample consisted of five participants who were between the ages of 18 to 35 years of age and were unemployed. Purposive sampling was used. In-depth interview were used to collect the data that was analysed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that unemployment youth motivational factors and their intensity varies and felt a lack of purpose that resulted in feelings of despair, hopelessness, depression and withdrawn from peers and family. In addition, the participants indicated that unemployed people lose their sense of identity and selfworth.