TOWARDS DETERMINING THE SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC AND ECONOMIC FACTORS AFFECTING YOUNG PEOPLE OF BECOMING NEET (NOT IN EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT OR TRAINING) IN KAZAKHSTAN

Abstract

There is a growing emphasis on studying young people who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET) internationally as well as locally. As one of the key indicators of youth vulnerability in the SDGs, the NEET rate needs to be carefully analysed due to its heterogeneous subgroups, which may vary depending on specific contextual factors. Identifying these sub-groups requires an in-depth investigation of the social, demographic, and economic factors contributing to NEET circumstances. Kazakhstan has experienced a persistent rise in its NEET rate, suggesting that existing policies may not have effectively addressed the issue. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the issues that NEET youth begin to face in their early years, which contribute to their continued disengagement at later stages. While data limitations hinder a comprehensive understanding of the NEET issue, incorporating socio-demographic and economic variables could significantly enhance policy interventions tailored to the specific needs of these youth. Although some empirical studies have examined NEET youth in Kazakhstan, they have not systematically investigated the underlying factors shaping their circumstances. Therefore, this study aims to address this gap by investigating the demographic, social, and economic factors influencing NEET youth aged 15-24 in Kazakhstan. Utilising nationwide Labour Force Survey data and semi-structured interviews with NEET youth, the findings revealed the persistent influence of four key micro factors such as gender, age, the presence of children under three years old and educational attainment in the past ten years. Additional factors that led to NEET were inadequate education quality, poor socio-economic family backgrounds, job informality, insufficient rural infrastructure, and broader structural challenges. Despite existing policy initiatives, the NEET rate remains significant, underlining gaps in targeted interventions and systemic support. By identifying micro-, meso-, and macro-level factors shaping NEET circumstances, this study provides insights to inform evidence-based policy development and practical solutions aimed at reducing youth vulnerability and improving long-term socio-economic outcomes.