The experience of Youths in NEET: A life course perspective

Abstract

Life course theory focuses on how social and historial contexts have impact on the life course and trasitions of people. The rapid change in thecontemporary society had prolonged, complicated, and individualized the life course transitions of young people, which then increased the risk in the process of transition. Youths in NEET (not in Education, Employment, or Training) have been regarded as a social problem; since these people failed to follow the institutionalized life course expected by the mainstream society. This study aims to understand the needs of youths in NEET and the challenges they face in transitions, with an attempt to provide service and policy implication for future work. This research interviewed eight youths who had experienced NEET in the past. Their NEET experiences were analyzed through a multi-dimensonal framework. This study further induced three types of behaviors that these youths adopted to cope with life transitions, that is, the strategic type, the taking chances type and the diversion type. Based on these findings, suggestions for practitioners and policy makers were made to better respond to the needs of these young people.