A Theological Evaluation of Youths’ Perception of Work in Machakos County, Kenya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70619/vol6iss6pp12-34-913Keywords:
Youth, unemployment, Youth’s Perception of Work, Machakos CountyAbstract
How to Cite: Nzuki, J. (2026). A Theological Evaluation of Youths’ Perception of Work in Machakos County, Kenya. Journal of Sociology, Psychology and Religious Studies, 6(6), 12-34.
The scourge of youth unemployment is indisputable and continues to gain prominence worldwide. With the youth bulge, particularly in Africa, youth unemployment is undoubtedly one of the most pressing societal issues and an impediment to all-around economic growth and development. This study aimed to theologically evaluate the youth's perception of work. The study applies the Pastoral Circle method, which utilises qualitative research methods. Therefore, through a thematic interpretation of the semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, the researcher presents the research findings on the unemployment experiences and sentiments of the research participants in a manner that gives voice to their feelings and perspectives on the subject matter. Different religious beliefs, theologies, philosophical ideologies, and theories of development over the centuries of the evolution of work in its definition and practice have influenced people’s perception of work, especially its categorization and specialization. The valorization of white-collar jobs as a stream of consistent income came out strongly, with research participants citing their socialization from a young age to endeavour for formal employment- a factor they worked towards throughout their education years. To still earn an income, the research participants have taken up various blue-collar jobs outside the ideal of formal employment while holding on to the hope of finding work in their desired professions. However, such valorization has anchored the importance of work to the income one earns from it, because this is the only way they can sustain themselves and their families. Thus, one’s identity and dignity are measured by what one earns, that is, in economic terms, the income one gets from work.
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