A multifactorial explanation of youth unemployment and the special case of Austria. (January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tamesberger, Dennis
• Is Part Of: International social security review. Volume 68:Number 1(2015:Jan./Mar.)
• Page Start: 23
• Page End: 45
• Publication Date: 2015-01
• Subjects: youth unemployment -- cross section analysis -- labour market -- trade union -- training policy -- Austria; Mots clés: chômage des jeunes -- analyse transversal -- marché du travail -- syndicat -- politique de formation -- Autriche; Palabras clave: desempleo de jóvenes -- análisis transversal -- mercado de trabajo -- sindicato -- política de formación -- Austria; Schlüsselwörter: Jugendarbeitslosigkeit -- Querschnittsanalyse -- Arbeitsmarkt -- Gewerkschaft -- Ausbildungspolitik -- Österreich; Social security -- Periodicals; Public welfare -- Periodicals; 368.4
• DOI: 10.1111/issr.12058
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-871X

Abstract

Abstract: One of the biggest challenges currently facing European society is the dramatically high level of youth unemployment. Commonly, political solutions and strategies can be found in those countries that have been able to keep youth unemployment low in spite of the financial and economic crises. Austria is such a case. On the basis of European Union Member State data, the article gives a multifactorial explanation of youth unemployment and asks whether these factors can explain relatively low youth unemployment in Austria. With the country's "youth safety net" presented in detail, it is shown that active labour market policy reduces youth unemployment in Austria. The article also points out the limitations of cross‐country comparisons of youth unemployment rates and proposes the use of a greater number of indicators. Finally, the article argues for economic policies to stimulate demand, which have to be based on a political and social commitment to full employment.