CAUSALITY RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT AND NEET RATES BY GENDER: A COMPARISON OF BALTIC AND MEDITERRANEAN COUNTRIES

<span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-family: Poppins; font-size: 14px;">This study examines the causal relationship between youth unemployment and NEET rates in Baltic and Mediterranean countries. In the Baltic countries, a transition from NEET to youth unemployment is observed, while no causal relationship is found in terms of gender. In Mediterranean countries, it has been determined that male NEETs are a cause of youth unemployment, while there is a transition from unemployment to NEET among females. The differences between genders deepen the socio-economic impacts of these two concepts. Additionally, the findings between Baltic and Mediterranean countries demonstrate the effects of gender discrimination in labor markets. As a result, while gender equality is higher in Baltic countries, female NEETs emerge as the most disadvantaged group in Mediterranean countries. This situation emphasizes the need for policies to increase youth participation in the labor market.</span>