Abstract
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>Unemployment scarring refers to the negative effects faced by an individual who is currently participating in the labor force but has had a gap in employment. This gap affects the current and potential future earnings prospects of the laborer in the career graph. Unemployment scarring becomes significant when a country prioritizes the enrichment of its human capital, especially while considering labor force participation (LFP). LFP between genders attains greater significance in India because shreds of evidence and data are showing a declining trend in the female LFP, particularly among educated urban women. Various studies attribute this trend to factors like marriage, family commitments, motherhood, lack of upskilling in their respective field, etc.</jats:p> <jats:p>Nevertheless, this study concentrates on the lesser treaded area of unemployment scarring among women in the academic industry when they re-enter the labor market in their middle age, approximately between 35 and 45 years of age after “requalifying” themselves. Despite meeting industry standards, they face challenges in establishing their career. This descriptive and explanatory research attempts to gain insight into the extent of unemployment scarring faced by such middle-aged women in the academic field, impacting their career growth and potential earnings. It also delves into the psychological effects of unemployment scarring. The study tries to come up with plausible policies that can be initiated by the government and academic institutions to minimize the unemployment scarring among them. However, this study is limited to the geographical area of Chennai District in Tamil Nadu and hence at a micro-level.</jats:p>