The persistent presence of young people in prolonged inactivity – Not in Education, Employment, or Training (hereafter Neet) – necessitates ongoing examination of the factors that contribute to this phenomenon and the reasons for its persistence.
Much discussion surrounds the conceptualizations and definitions of Neets, their geographical distribution, and the available measurements. However, equal attention must be devoted to the topic of education, as the school environment may hold the key tools for improving young people's employment prospects and mitigating the phenomenon. This consideration must account for individual characteristics that may facilitate this condition, such as gender.
Indeed, the latest national and transnational data confirm that being a woman is a predictive factor for social and labor exclusion. In general, young women are more likely to become Neets compared to young men, and this disparity is often attributed to gender-specific social expectations, family responsibilities, and workplace discrimination.
This paper aims to explore the Neet condition in relation to gender disparity and educational poverty, highlighting how the lack of educational and training opportunities significantly affects young people's inability to enter the labor market. The paper also outlines intervention strategies aimed at fostering an effective transition for young people from school to work.