Japan, known for its strong work ethic and culture of stability, has faced significant changes in its social and economic structure. Among these transformations, two groups stand out as representing new life dynamics among young people: Neet and Freeter. These terms designate people who, by choice or circumstance, live outside the traditional molds of education and employment.
These categories reflect a phenomenon that has grown not only in Japan but in other developed countries, where social pressure and the rigidity of the labor market lead many young people to choose less conventional lifestyles. Let's explore the meaning and particularities of each group.
Read also: Do you know what a Hikikomori or NEET is?
Table of Content
What does it mean to be a Neet?
The acronym Neet ("Not in Education, Employment, or Training") refers to young people who are not studying, not working, and not in any type of training. In Japanese, the term is translated as ニート (Niito). But how do these people support themselves? In most cases, Neets financially depend on their parents.
Historically, Japan was a country where lifetime employment was the norm, and social status was directly linked to work. However, economic and cultural changes since the 2000s have altered this landscape, making room for more than 1 million young people who choose this life. Among the Neet, there are different profiles, including:
- The lazy ones: Interested only in fun and with no plans for the future.
- The inmatesKnown as hikikomorithey avoid any social interaction and spend most of their time at home.
- The undecidedThey don't know which path to take in life, postponing important decisions.
- The insecure onesThey lost their first job and gave up trying again due to a lack of self-confidence.
A real example: Hayashi
Hayashi, a 25-year-old young man, exemplifies the difficulties faced by many Neet. After feeling unable to work and noticing the distance from his father, he sought psychological help and found a new perspective by volunteering at an NGO. Today, Hayashi dreams of having a stable job and building his own family, demonstrating that it is possible to overcome the emotional and social barriers associated with this condition.
Freeter is a term used in Japan to describe someone who is unemployed or working part-time while not pursuing a full-time career.
Unlike Neets, Freeters are informal workers who choose temporary jobs. The term comes from the combination of the English word "free" with the German "arbeiter" (worker). In Japanese, they are called フリーター (Furītā). While older generations see them as rebels rejecting stability, Freeters view their choice as a way to enjoy their youth before taking on greater commitments.
Among Freeters, three main profiles stand out:
- The discouraged onesYoung people who, even after studying, do not see future prospects.
- The dreamersThey prefer side jobs while pursuing artistic or entrepreneurial careers.
- The unemployedThey seek stability but face difficulties in achieving it.
Although they seem free, Freeters often face issues such as a lack of labor benefits, difficulties in starting a family, and continued dependence on their parents.
Social and economic impacts
The growth of these groups directly affects Japanese society. Young people who choose or are forced to distance themselves from the traditional work structure contribute to the decline of a stable workforce, harming the economy in the long term. Furthermore, the financial dependence on their parents can generate family conflicts and limit these young people's individual freedom.
On the other hand, initiatives such as NGOs and government programs have sought to offer support, from psychological counseling to training opportunities, so that these individuals can reintegrate into society.
Conclusiono
The Neet and Freeter represent a break from Japanese traditions of work and stability, reflecting the challenges of a transforming society. Whether due to the choice of a temporary life or the difficulty of reintegrating into the job market, these young people demonstrate the importance of understanding and adapting to new social realities. Through appropriate support, many have managed to overcome these challenges, as seen in the case of Hayashi, proving that it is possible to forge new paths.