Mapping social landscapes: Youth NEET risk and social issues in Europe – A systematic literature review

Abstract

Introduction: The 40 million young people’s lack of successful transition from the education system to the labour market across Europe has a major focus. This systematic review of literature document social risk factors associated with NEET status in Europe. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in four databases on February 21, 2023, with an update on January 15, 2024. Results: A total of 98 articles included. Multiple social risk factors were associated with NEET status and divided into three spheres: factors related to the parental influence, the environment circumstance, and the individual factors. Conclusions: Lacking a robust sense of self and limited self-efficacy, growing up in unstable home environment, having parents with low educational or labour market attainment are associated with significantly increased risk of NEET. Performing or behaving poorly in school and risk behaviour such as crime and substance use are also correlated with NEET status.