CLUSTERING OF POST-PANDEMIC UNEMPLOYMENT IN OECD COUNTRIES USING THE K-MEANS METHOD (2021–2023) ABSTRACT

Authors : Çetin Görür

Pages : 224-246

Doi:10.61127/idusos.1789030

View : 51 | Download : 377

Publication Date : 2025-12-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This study examines unemployment dynamics across OECD countries during 2021, 2022, and 2023 by applying the k-means clustering method. Annual unemployment rate data were drawn from the World Bank’s World Development Indicators database and standardized before analysis. The number of clusters was identified using several diagnostic tools, including the silhouette score, the elbow method, and the gap statistic. Based on these results, countries were grouped according to similarities in unemployment rates, allowing for both cross-sectional and temporal comparisons. The analysis identifies three distinct clusters each year, which broadly mirror differences in economic development levels, labour market structures, and institutional capacities. Advanced economies such as Switzerland, Japan, Germany, and Norway consistently fall into the low-unemployment group, supported by diversified economic bases, strong vocational training systems, and effective active labour market policies. By contrast, Greece, Spain, and Türkiye remain in the high-unemployment group throughout the period, reflecting entrenched structural rigidities, skill mismatches, and a heavy reliance on tourism and other low value-added services. A subset of countries shifted between clusters over time, highlighting the role of post-pandemic recovery dynamics, inflationary pressures, and sector-specific growth patterns. The findings indicate that unemployment disparities remain a persistent feature across OECD countries, influenced by both long-term structural factors and short-term economic fluctuations. By offering an updated post-pandemic perspective, this study contributes to the existing literature and provides insights relevant for policymaking. In countries with high unemployment, efforts should focus on diversifying economic sectors, enhancing vocational and technical education, and strengthening labour market institutions to facilitate job creation. Conversely, countries with consistently low unemployment should prioritize maintaining labour market resilience in the face of technological change and demographic shifts. Taken together, these results offer practical guidance for policymakers aiming to implement targeted, evidence-based strategies that address unemployment effectively within a rapidly evolving global economy.
Keywords : OECD, Pandemi Sonrası İşsizlik, Kümelenme Analizi, İşgücü Piyasası

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