Trends, 1997: Economic Security: ES3.6 Detached Youth

ES 3.6

DETACHED YOUTH: PERCENTAGE OF 16-19 YEAR OLDS
NOT IN SCHOOL AND NOT WORKING

"Detached youth" refers to young people ages 16-19 who are neither in school nor working. This detachment, particularly if it lasts for several years, increases the risk that a young person, over time, will have lower earnings and a less stable employment history than his or her peers who stayed in school and/or secured jobs.²⁶

Since 1975, the percentage of detached youth has fluctuated between 9 and 12 percent (see Table ES 3.6). In 1994, 10 percent of all youth ages 16-19 were detached.

Table ES 3.6 Detached Youth: Percentage of 16-19 Year Olds Who Are Both Not in School and Not Working,^a 1975-1994

	1975	1980	1985	1990	1991	1992	1993	1994
	_______	_______	_______	_______	_______	_______	_______	_______
Percent	12	11	11	10	10	10	9	10

Note:^aThe figures represent a yearly average based on responses for the nine months youth typically are in school (September through May). Youth are asked about their activities for the week prior to the survey.

Source: Special tabulations of Current Population Survey microdata prepared by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

²⁶ Brett Brown. 1996. "Who are America's Disconnected Youth?," report prepared for the American Enterprise Institute.

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Table ES 3.6 Detached Youth: Percentage of 16-19 Year Olds Who Are Both Not in School and Not Working,a 1975-1994

Table ES 3.6
Detached Youth: Percentage of 16-19 Year Olds Who Are Both Not in School and Not Working,^a 1975-1994