Abstract
This article examines the intersecting phenomena of youth unemployment and social exclusion in southern European countries, with particular attention to Greece, Spain, and Italy during the period of economic crisis. The study analyses how persistent joblessness among young people contributes to broader processes of social marginalisation.
Key Findings
- Youth unemployment rates exceeding 40% in some southern European regions create cascading effects on housing, health, and civic participation
- The NEET population faces cumulative disadvantage that extends beyond economic deprivation
- Gender differences in youth unemployment experiences are significant but often overlooked in policy responses
- Informal economic participation provides some buffering but carries its own risks
Methodology
The study draws on Eurostat data combined with qualitative interviews with unemployed young people aged 18-29 in Athens, Madrid, and Naples. The mixed-methods approach allows for both structural analysis and individual-level understanding of exclusion processes.
Implications
The article argues for integrated policy approaches that address youth unemployment not merely as a labour market issue but as a multidimensional social challenge requiring coordinated responses across education, housing, and social welfare systems.
