What is youth?

Youth is transitional phase from childhood to adulthood when young people, through a process of intense physiological, psychological, social and economical change, gradually come to be recognized – and recognize themselves – as adults. So it is more a stage in life than giving rise to the expression that you are “young as you feel,” which is especially popular among those who are well part their youth!

For research and policy it is useful to pin down the period of youth more precisely. Perspectives on the most relevant age range vary across discipline. In the health field youth is associated with the ages of physical maturation that begins with menarche for girls and more gradually for boys, typically between the ages of 10 and 16.
In the social sciences youth is defined by the acquisition of various adult statuses, marked by events such as menarche, leaving school, employment, marriage, and voting, with the recognition that becoming an adult is an extended, self-reinforcing process, often extending into the 20s.

Social psychologists argue that the subjective experience of feeling adult matters at least as much as the objective markers of adulthood, such as age or particular statuses. While much of this research is based in developed countries, it suggests that young people in their late teen and early 20s often see themselves as not-yet-adult. Some argue that this prolonged period of semi-autonomy can be viewed as a new life stage in which young people experiment with adult roles but do not fully commit to them. Laws in most countries designate ages when people can be treated as adults and are thus no longer offered the protections of childhood. One can thus change from being a child to being an adult overnight. But this varies by context or sector. The ages at which school attendance is no longer compulsory and employment is legally permitted typically ranges between 11 and 16 years.

Legal responsibility for crime can begin early, but individuals are typically not charged as adult until around 16. Politically participation through voting is postponed, typically to around 18 or later. Likewise, service in the military, whether compulsory or voluntary, is often restricted until age 18. The purchase of cigarettes, in countries where there are restrictions on sales to minors, is allowed from around 15 to 18. Consumption of alcohol, where it is legally prohibited for minors, is allowed from the ages of 18 to 21 though in some cases it is prohibited until the age of 25.

National policies on youth typically establish an age range for beneficiaries. The lower bound ranges from around 12 years (Jordan) to around 18 years (Bangladesh). In some cases it is not strictly defined, as in Hungary, where the youth secretariat deals with both 0-14 and 15-26 year olds. The upper bound ranges from around 24 (Jamaica) to even 35 or 40 (Kenya, Pakistan). The UN’s World Program of Action for Youth defines youth as people aged 15-24, while WHO and UNICEF use the term adolescent for those 10-19, youth for those 15-24, and young people for those 10-24 year olds.

Who are young workers? The definitions of youth vary according to culture, history and social context. Among PSI affiliates, young workers range from 18 to 35 years. Although young people are not one homogenous group, they do share common workplace concerns. Young workers:

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  Experience much higher rates of unemployment than the rest of the population (in 2003 the worldwide youth to adult unemployment ratio was 3:5)


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  Suffer underemployment, including involuntary part-time or temporary jobs, which are frequently not covered by collective bargaining agreements.


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  In many countries begin their professional life in the informal economy and experience low rates of unionism.


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  Are discriminated against in terms of wages and job progression. Lack knowledge about rights and health and safety issues.


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  Are often the ‘first fired and last hired’ and lack the specific training or seniority which buffers older workers against changes in the economy. Constitute a major part of the migrant worker population, going abroad to find a better future.
  

Source:

· Source: the World Bank “World Development Report 2007”
· PSI Young Workers Brochure