Individual and family related determinants of NEET probability: an empirical study for Türkiye

Abstract

This study investigates the determinants of NEET status among Turkish youth aged 15–29, focusing on individual and family-related factors using 2010–2023 HLFS data. Employing a probit model, the analysis identifies significant influences of parental education, employment, and household income on NEET probability. A nuanced relationship emerges, with medium levels of parental education reducing NEET risk. Maternal education, particularly at the tertiary level, exerts a more pronounced influence compared to paternal education, underscoring the role of maternal engagement. Gender disparities are evident, with females disproportionately represented in the NEET category, largely due to caregiving responsibilities and societal norms. Family economic stability, measured through "decent work" status of parents, reduces NEET risk, while income displays a U-shaped relationship with NEET probability. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased NEET rates across all categories, disproportionately affecting females and low-educated youth. While post-pandemic recovery has been observed, gender and educational disparities persist.