What is structural unemployment? Give examples of structural unemployment.

Structural unemployment is a type of unemployment that occurs when the skills offered by workers do not align with the skills required by employers. This can be caused by technological advancements, shifts in consumer demands, or changes in the industrial structure of an economy.

There are three primary causes of structural unemployment: a. Technological advancements: As new technologies emerge and are adopted by industries, some jobs become obsolete due to increased automation or the invention of new processes. Workers with outdated skills are displaced and may not have the necessary qualifications to obtain new jobs. b. Shifts in consumer demand: Changes in consumer preferences can lead to reduced demand for certain products or services, leading to a decline in jobs in those sectors. Workers in these industries may not have the skills needed to transition to a new job or industry. c. Changes in the industrial structure of the economy: When specific industries shrink due to factors such as market competition, globalization, or government regulations, jobs in those fields may decline. As a result, workers with experience in such industries may become unemployed if they cannot find work in a related field or develop new skills.

Here are a few examples of structural unemployment: a. Automation in the manufacturing industry: The increased use of robots and automation in factories has led to a decrease in the demand for assembly line workers. Workers who lack the technical skills to work with these new technologies may be considered structurally unemployed. b. Shift from coal to renewable energy sources: Governments and companies worldwide are moving away from coal and fossil fuels to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. As a result, coal miners and other workers associated with traditional energy sources may face structural unemployment if they cannot transition to jobs in renewable energy. c. Decline of physical retail stores: Online shopping has led to a decrease in the demand for brick-and-mortar retail stores, causing a shrinking demand for retail workers. Employees who have experience exclusively in in-store retail work and lack the skills to transition to other industries or online retail may be structurally unemployed.