Economic Empowerment of NEET Youth in Italy: A Pedagogical Reflection

This paper examines the condition of NEETs (young people Not in Education, Employment, or Training) in Italy through the lenses of adult education, critical pedagogy, and the sociology of work. Drawing on major international studies and discourse analysis, it explores NEETs’ identities, needs, aspirations, and how societal narratives influence their future visions. The study then investigates the role of pedagogical interventions and social services in identifying NEET individuals and delivering tailored economic and educational support. As a practical case, it presents a social dreaming session conducted within a local social service, illustrating how collective dreaming can generate concrete strategies for labour-market engagement and economic empowerment. The paper concludes that social dreaming, by centring participants’ life histories and desires, promotes integration and self-directed learning, offering a sustainable pathway to reengage NEET youth and foster their personal and professional development.