Lynn van Vugt successfully defends thesis

This dissertation focuses on explaining why some vulnerable young people in society are more likely to become Not in Employment, Education and Training (NEET) than others. The concept of NEETs is broader than youth unemployment since it also covers young people who are not in education and inactive. The main reason to develop this concept was that a large group of young people disappeared from the radar because they were not included in educational nor in employment statistics because they are often not entitled to unemployment benefits. Being NEET can have detrimental consequences: they are at greater risk of long-term socioeconomic marginalization, criminal careers, unwanted pregnancies, social rejection, and serious mental and physical health issues. Additionally, these consequences do not only affect the NEETs themselves, but also their families and society. Throughout the years, the NEET concept is often used by policymakers to focus on vulnerable young people that lack integration in society.

Supervisors: Prof. dr. Mark Levels and Prof. dr. Rolf van der Velden

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