Isizlik

Isizlik is a term used in Turkish-language discourse to denote the lack of employment opportunities or, more broadly, the absence of work among those who are able and willing to work. The standard Turkish term for this condition is işsizlik; isizlik appears mainly as a variant spelling or in linguistic discussions and is less common in everyday usage. The etymology derives from the root iş (work) plus the suffix -sizlik, meaning “lack of,” yielding the idea of the absence of work. Conceptually, isizlik can encompass unemployment as well as related economic insecurity and social exclusion arising from the absence of paid employment.

Causes include macroeconomic downturns, structural changes in the economy, skill mismatches, regional disparities, demographics, and policy environments. Impacts include reduced household income, higher poverty risk, weaker consumption and investment, and negative effects on mental and physical health, education, and social participation.

Measurement typically relies on the unemployment rate, defined as the share of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking work, along with labor force participation rates and the duration of unemployment. Data may also be analyzed by age, education level, and region to identify vulnerable groups and trends.

Policy responses aim to reduce isizlik through macroeconomic stabilization, creation of jobs, and active labor market policies such as training, job search assistance, apprenticeships, and incentives for hiring. Social protection programs, income support, and regional development initiatives also play a role in mitigating its effects. See also: unemployment, poverty, labor market, social policy.