Longitudinal multiscalar analysis reveals persistent structural precarity and adaptive self-employment among European youth, highlighting geographic divides in labor transitions.
Key Points
To evaluate the longitudinal relationship between youth agency and structural labor market precarity across national and regional contexts in Europe.
Conducted a multiscalar quantitative analysis combining longitudinal (2009–2025), cross-national, and regional assessments using harmonized Eurostat data.
Operationalized structural precarity through a composite Structural Precarity Index (SPI) and proxied youth agency using self-employment metrics.
Demonstrated persistent structural precarity characterized by stable cross-national disparities and a pronounced North–South European divide.
Identified a nonlinear relationship between youth self-employment and precarity, indicating self-employment serves as an adaptive coping strategy rather than an opportunity-driven pathway.
Uncovered significant within-country territorial inequalities that influence place-dependent youth career transitions.