Have Nordic welfare regimes adapted to changes in transitions to adulthood? Unemployment insurance and social assistance among young people in the Nordic welfare states

• Entering adult life consists of several transitions that are related to finding a source of income, establishing an independent household and creating new family formations. This stage of ‘becoming’ entails a move from needing others to living as an autonomous and economically independent citizen (France, 2008; Smeeding and Philips, 2002). This key life stage, where several major transitions and life-course events take place concurrently (Anxo et al., 2010; Müller and Gangl, 2003), results in increasing vulnerability to poverty (Moore, 2005). In the Nordic countries (Finland, Sweden and Norway), economic autonomy has become quite difficult to obtain for many young people; continued financial support from either parents or social assistance is a reality for many. Poverty is central in understanding if and how young people can transition effectively into adulthood. Within the populations of the Nordic countries today, young people are among those most likely to be economically vulnerable.1 Despite being relatively affluent compared with young people in many eastern and southern European countries, it is evident that this life phase is associated with increasing vulnerability in the Nordic countries.

Ämnesord

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Sociologi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Sociology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Nordic Country

Social Assistance

Unemployment Insurance

Unemployed Person

Nordic Welfare State

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