Werkloosheid en sociaal isolement

Samenvatting

In an investigation of the relationship between unemployment & social isolation, two contrasting hypotheses are tested: (1) the status inconsistency theory (a social structural theory that stresses the structural causes for disequilibrium), & (2) the theory of mental incongruity (a cognitive motivational theory, stressing mental causes). These theories differ not only about the occurrence of social isolation, but also in predicting from whom the unemployed will be isolated. They were tested by longitudinal interview data over a 1-year period with a sample of unemployed & a control group (total N = 244) in the Netherlands. In general, support was found for (2) but not (1). At the end of the year, there was little evidence of social isolation. If isolation occurred, it was mainly from mentally threatening contacts, this being dependent on the unemployed R's attitude toward work. 13 Tables, 36 References. Modified HA.