In limbo: 3.5M ‘invisible’ youth in Türkiye face systemic challenges, dependency

At the peak of their most productive years, millions of young people in Türkiye remain “invisible,” neither employed nor enrolled in education.

In an interview with Birgun Newspaper, Professor Fatos Goksen of Koc University highlighted the struggles of this demographic, revealing that many young people, despite attending various courses – such as acting and language classes– remain in a state of limbo, heavily dependent on their families.

Goksen noted that many of them see their situation as a personal failure rather than recognizing it as part of a larger systemic issue.

Understanding NEET generation

The term NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) encompasses a diverse group that varies across age and demographic lines. While internationally NEET typically includes youth aged 15-24, in Türkiye, this range often extends to 15-29, capturing university-age individuals as well.

Currently, approximately 3.5 to 4 million young people in Türkiye fall into this category, a figure surpassing the population of Bursa. This group grapples with significant challenges, including poverty, lack of education, unemployment and the struggle to transition from education to the workforce.

Invisible challenges, gender inequalities

Professor Goksen emphasizes various factors contributing to the high NEET rates, particularly among women, who represent 38% of the NEET population – the highest rate globally. She identifies shortcomings in educational policy, inadequate vocational training, and systemic gender biases as key barriers. For instance, vocational schools, which could bridge the gap between education and employment, often suffer from poor reputations and gender-segregated programs, limiting opportunities for many young people, especially women.

‘Cruel optimism,’ perpetual dependency

Many of these young individuals, particularly women, remain dependent on their families, unable to achieve independence or establish their own households. They continuously invest in new skills through various courses, believing this will lead to better opportunities – a phenomenon professor Goksen refers to as “cruel optimism.”

Unfortunately, this cycle often results in disappointment, as they struggle to break free from their current circumstances.

Role of family support and social isolation

For many NEETs, especially women, family support becomes a crutch that reinforces dependency. According to Goksen, 80% of surveyed youth indicated they would find it challenging to sustain themselves for more than a month without financial assistance from their families.

This dynamic underscores a lack of social capital, as many NEETs engage in minimal social, cultural, or sporting activities, further isolating them from broader society.

Policy recommendations, future prospects

To tackle this pressing issue, professor Goksen advocates for a reevaluation of educational and employment policies. Key recommendations include better integration of vocational training with market needs, promoting gender equality and enhancing support for young women through accessible childcare services.

Without significant changes, the NEET population in Türkiye is likely to continue growing, exacerbating existing social and economic challenges.