Neet Youth Also Need Belonging: A Qualitative Study on the Social Enterprise Program for Neet Youth in Korea

1. Background and Purpose

This study aims to conduct an in-depth examination of the experiences of NEET youth (youth not in employment, education, or training) in Korea participating in the social enterprise program ‘NEET People’, based on interviews with the participants. Unlike government policies that primarily focus on employment as the ultimate outcome, social enterprises have been supporting NEET youth through creative and innovative approaches. Programs targeting NEET youth by social enterprises have garnered interest in many countries; however, specific details and their effectiveness are largely unknown. Therefore, this study examines the characteristics of social enterprise programs for NEET youth through the case of 'NEET People', a pioneering program in Korea, and to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences of the youth involved.

2. Methods

This study employed a case study, which is a qualitative research method that involves an in-depth examination of a single case. The primary data utilized in this study consisted of one-on-one interview materials from 13 NEET youth participants in the ‘NEET People’ program. To further understand the program, interviews with the 'NEET People’ management team, as well as the website and documentary materials, were comprehensively analyzed. Ethical approval was received from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at the author’s university.

3. Results

The analysis results identified five major themes, further subdivided into a total of 21 subthemes. First, ‘reasons for becoming NEET’ were identified, including mental health issues, maladaptation to corporate life, involuntary resignation, and discontinuation of education. Second, ‘the difficulties of NEET youth’ included social non-acceptance, anxiety, and financial difficulties. Third, ‘motivations for participating in NEET programs’ were classified into enjoyment, the desire to regain a daily routine, and the need for a sense of belonging. Fourth, ‘characteristics of NEET People program’ included humane treatment and acceptance, accumulation of experiences through consistency, a culture of support and empowerment, opportunities to experience life's diversity, the restoration of community and belonging through loose solidarity, and time to find one’s own path. Fifth, ‘outcomes of NEET People program’ included behavioral, psychological, relational, career, and economic changes.

4. Conclusions and implications

The research findings indicated that the difficulties expressed by NEET youth were not merely due to the economic hardships associated with unemployment, but rather the absence of a community where they could share experiences with others in similar situations. This lack of community led to low self-esteem and anxiety. A leading social enterprise ‘NEET People’ in South Korea employed key program strategies such as forming communities with diverse participants, fostering empowerment among participants, and accepting all participants as they are. Through these processes, participants regained psychological confidence, experienced a sense of belonging and stability, enhanced their understanding of human diversity, reduced anxiety about relationships and society, and were able to design their specific career paths. Based on these findings, recommendations were made for both domestic and international programs and policy directions for NEET youths.