Stressed economies, distressed policies, and distraught young people

This chapter assesses recent labor market policies and outcomes in Europe, with a focus on the impact upon young people. Our point of departure is the inadequacy of moribund “flexicurity” policies that lost both their political sponsors and their credibility during the Great Recession. These weaknesses were compounded by an overemphasis on flexibility measures, a gender- blind approach to policy, and limited consideration for the impact on young people.