Name: Siddaroodh Basaligundi
Country: India

Year: 2026
Volume: Volume-11, Issue-1, January-June 2026
Page Number: 524-529
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20268119

ABSTRACT
In this research article, the authors examine the intricate linkage between unemployment and aspirations of the youth in the fast-developing state of Karnataka in India. The problem of youth unemployment is a serious sociological problem that has a lot of impacts on the social identity,
economic and social stability, and the future of young people. The study examines the impact of unemployment on the aspirations of the youth of Karnataka with a focus on the differences between urban and rural areas, as well as the socio-economic background. Qualitative data was collected using interviews and focus group discussions and quantitative data were obtained from government reports and surveys, the research adopted a mixed methods approach. The results show that unemployment not only limits economic possibilities, but also has an effect on psychological welfare and social mobility and results in changed and postponed expectations. Findings reveal how societal expectations, family expectations, and structural barriers influence the goals of youth. It also looks at coping strategies and alternate routes taken by the youth who are not working. This sociological study is valuable for understanding the relationship between unemployment and the aspirations of the youth, and is informative of the policy recommendations for education, skill development and employment
generation programme. To achieve inclusive growth and to make use of the demographic dividend in Karnataka is very essential to overcome the above stated problems.

Keywords: Unemployment, Youth, Aspirations, Socio-economic Factors, Employment Challenges.