Exploring the Experiences and Perspectives of Unemployment among Humanities Graduates Pursuing Postgraduates Studies in South African Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

Youth unemployment in South Africa remains one of the most pressing socio-economic challenges particularly for Humanities undergraduate qualification holders. High unemployment in countries like South Africa is a major economic concern due to the widespread social and economic problems it creates (Oluwajofu et al., 2015). This research investigates the reasons why many Humanities graduates choose to pursue postgraduate studies, focusing on the link between high unemployment rates and the perceived inadequacy of undergraduate qualifications in securing meaningful employment. The absence of employment opportunities has propelled many graduates to view further education as a necessity, with postgraduate studies serving as a strategic response to an oversaturated job market that undervalues Humanities qualification. By examining the experiences of 12 participants aged 23-35 from various South African universities, the study explores how systematic barriers, such as structural inequalities, nepotism, corruption and unethical hiring practices, exacerbate youth unemployment and disadvantage Humanities graduates in the labour market. Participants recount unemployment as a deeply frustrating experience, marked by repeated rejections, financial strain, and diminished self-worth. They highlight the misalignment between university curricula and labour market demands, a lack of demand for Humanities qualifications, and the pervasive over-saturation of the job market as significant factors contributing to their inability to find employment. These challenges often compel graduates to pursue postgraduate studies not only as a means to specialize but also as a pathway to enhance their competitiveness in an unaccommodating labour market. This study explores the survival strategies adopted by graduates as they confront systematic exclusion. Participants report engaging in alternative economic activities, volunteering in NGOs and NPOs, and pursuing global opportunities, such as working with international organizations like the UN or leveraging platforms like the G20. Others express a desire to venture into entrepreneurship or acquire interdisciplinary skills to overcome systematic barriers and create opportunities for themselves. These strategies illustrate the resilience and agency of young people confronting a constrained labour market. Using qualitative research method, including in-depth interviews and surveys, this research captures the personal narratives of Humanities graduates navigating the constraints of the job market. Participants highlight the lack of demand for Humanities qualifications, misalignment between university curricula and labour market needs, and the over-saturation of the job market as significant factors contributing to their inability to find employment. For many, postgraduate studies represent a strategic response to these challenges, offering the opportunity to specialize, enhance an unaccommodating job market. The findings shed light on the broader implications of youth unemployment and the precarious position of Humanities graduates in South Africa’s socio-economic landscape. The research highlights the urgent need for policy interventions that address unemployment by aligning educational outcomes with labour market demands, promoting entrepreneurial skills, and fostering inclusive hiring practices. Moreover, it calls for a re-imagining of the role of Humanities in addressing societal challenges, emphasizing its potential to contribute to trans-formative change. By amplifying the voices of unemployed and underemployed Humanities graduates, this research underscores the resilience and agency of young people in navigating a constrained labour market, while advocating for systematic reforms to create equitable and sustainable opportunities for the next generation.