Social inclusion

Eurofound monitors social inclusion through its survey work and, in more specific studies, it explores and evaluates policy efforts to achieve greater social inclusion.

Social inclusion and quality of life

Eurofound’s European Quality of Life Survey (EQLS) provides a means to monitor and assess outcomes of social progress, such as well-being and social inclusion. A range of data can complement the social indicators used to monitor policy outcomes, such as those of the European Social Scoreboard, which accompanies the Social Pillar. 

• Survey: European Quality of Life Surveys (EQLS)

Young people and NEETs

Although youth unemployment has recovered in recent years, some EU countries still have stubbornly high youth unemployment rates. Young people, especially those not in employment, education or training (NEETs), are at high risk of social exclusion, with severe consequences both for the individuals themselves and also for the economy and society as a whole. Eurofound has looked into how the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted young people. 

• Publication: Impact of COVID-19 on young people in the EU

A Eurofound study on long-term unemployed youth shows how long-term disengagement dramatically affects several dimensions of young people’s well-being, with long-term impacts. It decreases overall life satisfaction and, importantly, increases the risk of social exclusion, while also decreasing optimism about the future.

Research on the social inclusion of young people looks at the disadvantages arising from being outside the labour market or education. It explores EU strategies aimed at promoting the social inclusion of these vulnerable young people, focusing in particular on the operation of the Youth Guarantee to combat youth unemployment. Access to jobs is not an option for all young people so the study also looks at measures to promote engagement in social and civil activities.

Other young people with a disability or other health problem are at high risk of becoming NEET and face difficulties for social and economic engagement. Research has looked at active inclusion policy for these young people in a number of EU Member States.

Living conditions of older people

Eurofound research on the impact of COVID-19 on the living conditions of older people and their care needs looks at factors affecting social inclusion and quality of life. Its looks at volunteering, caring activities, social interaction and loneliness. 

• Publication: COVID-19 and older people: Impact on their lives, support and care

Working poor

Being in work reduces the risk of poverty and social exclusion. However, Eurofound research on in-work poverty in the EU has highlighted that the ‘working poor’ are a substantial group, with around 10% of European workers at risk of poverty. The working poor face significantly more social problems than the population as a whole, such as lower levels of subjective and mental well-being, problems with accommodation, as well as poorer relationships with other people and feelings of social exclusion. 

Other vulnerable groups

Research has also examined the groups within the inactive population that find it difficult to enter or re-enter the labour market and why. It looked at strategies in the Member States to promote the inclusion of those economically inactive groups that fall outside the labour market and those with household debt problems.