The life experience of Youths in NEET: A social exclusion perspective

Social exclusion indicates a dynamic process in which the individuals are unable to be accepted by the mainstream society, from the social, political, economic, and cultural perspectives. Socially excluded people tend to be lack of access to adequate benefits or services, so they are gradually marginalized and finally excluded by the society. Young people who have left the compulsory education system, and have been unable to enter the next stage of life are the ones to be exploited and oppressed by the social system. They remain in a state of limbo of neither being in school nor being employed. However, few studies have examined this issue. This study attempts to understand the social exclusion experiences of Taiwanese youths who remain unemployed after completing their compulsory education. The challenges and psychological changes they face are also examined. This study was conducted using qualitative design, using the purposive sampling method, five youths between the ages of 15 and 19, who have remained out of school and unemployed for over three months and have remained in the same status until now were interviewed. Their schooling and employment histories were examined through the social exclusion perspective in terms of labor markets, financial needs, social systems, and their psychological states. This study found that youths who have left school but remained unemployed have never given up despite continuous defeats. Most of them have experienced different transitional hardships, have undergone the same state of social exclusion, and were unable to have access to adequate social services. Based on the findings, this study proposes the following suggestions. First, we should value the strengths and abilities of youths who have remained out of school and out of work. Second, to reinforce social networking and systems, so they can be socially included. Third, to reassure the implementation and advocate for legal regulations, and finally, to provide services that meet the needs of youths experiencing social exclusion.