The impact of unemployment on rural families in the Wairarapa: an exploratory study

Abstract

In recent years New Zealand has been firmly gripped by high levels of unemployment. This year, more New Zealanders have felt its effects, either directly or indirectly, than at any other time in New Zealand's history. This thesis explores the effects of unemployment on rural families in the Wairarapa. It also considers unemployment in New Zealand from an historical perspective. A literature review that examines the effects of unemployment on individuals and families, both in New Zealand and overseas, is provided. A paradigm of grounded theory development has been used to illuminate the experiences of ten Wairarapa couples who have been affected by unemployment. The couples were drawn from the smaller rural areas of the Wairarapa and were selected on the basis of their having dependent children and having a primary income earner who is male and who has been unemployed from between three months and three years. The purpose of the research is to develop a better understanding of the effects of unemployment on the families and their domestic organisation, particularly within the context of the rural setting. The study adds to the growing body of evidence which illustrates the negative effects of unemployment upon individuals and families. Generally, the findings are consistent with previous studies both in New Zealand and overseas. It raises however, particular issues for rural New Zealanders and highlights the ways in which rural families can be particularly disadvantaged. The implications for further research are discussed and some suggestions are made with regard to the delivery of social services.