Making Ends Meet During Unemployment

Based on qualitative interviews with people affected by unemployment in Vienna, this research project explored the question of how those affected manage on a significantly lower income and how they make ends meet. People in different life situations, with various family constellations, professional backgrounds, socio-demographic characteristics and in different phases of unemployment were interviewed.

In addition to the specific situation in each case, the aim was also to discuss how to deal with a significantly reduced income and the risk of marginalisation and poverty. The aim was to visualise the risk of poverty and exclusion associated with unemployment, especially long-term unemployment, based on the stories of those affected and to develop possible strategies to counter this. The aim was also to help destigmatise people looking for work.