Brazil Sees Decline in 'Neither-Nor' Generation, Yet Challenges Remain

Recent Decline in 'Nem-Nem' Numbers

Brazil has observed a notable reduction in the number of young people who are neither studying nor working, a demographic often referred to as the 'neither-nor' generation or 'nem-nem' (from the Portuguese 'nem estuda, nem trabalha'). According to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), the number of young Brazilians aged 15 to 29 in this situation fell to 8.8 million in 2024, marking the lowest level since 2019. In 2023, this figure stood at 10.3 million, representing 21.2% of the age group, the lowest percentage recorded since 2012. This decline follows a peak in the second half of 2020, when the rate reached almost 30%, influenced by an economic recession and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Persistent Disparities and Global Comparison

Despite the recent improvements, Brazil's 'neither-nor' rate remains a significant concern, particularly when compared internationally. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) 'Education at a Glance 2024' report indicates that 24% of young Brazilians aged 25 to 34 neither work nor study, a figure substantially higher than the OECD average of 13.8%. In a 2022 OECD survey, Brazil ranked as the second country (out of 37) with the highest proportion of 18-24 year olds neither studying nor working, at 36%, surpassed only by South Africa.

Demographically, the 'nem-nem' phenomenon disproportionately affects certain groups. In 2024, 6.1 million of the 8.8 million young people in this category were black or brown. Data from 2023 further highlights gender and racial disparities, with 4.6 million (45.2%) being black or brown women, compared to 1.9 million (18.9%) white women. In 2022, black or brown women constituted 4.7 million (43.3%) of the 10.9 million 'nem-nem' youth.

Underlying Causes and Socioeconomic Factors

Several factors contribute to the prevalence of the 'neither-nor' generation in Brazil:

• Socioeconomic Background: The issue is more common in poorer families, where the need to work often leads to abandoning education.
• Gender Roles: For young women, pregnancy, domestic responsibilities, and caretaking for relatives are significant barriers to both education and employment.
• Educational System Challenges: A historical delay in the expansion of Brazil's education system and low levels of educational attainment contribute to the problem. Access to quality education, particularly higher education, is often reserved for those with sufficient financial resources.
• Structural Inequality: Deep-seated structural inequality and income concentration exacerbate the challenges faced by young people.
• Low Expectations: Many young people in this situation report low expectations regarding their ability to solve problems and achieve long-term goals.

Economic and Social Repercussions

The 'neither-nor' generation presents significant economic and social challenges for Brazil. Millions of young people who could be contributing to the country's growth are outside the labor market and educational institutions, compromising their future occupational possibilities due to a lack of work experience or qualifications. This situation risks long-term detachment from the labor market and perpetuates cycles of inequality. The recent reduction in these numbers is largely attributed to a more dynamic labor market, offering some optimism for future trends.