From Isolation to Opportunity: Social Economy Solutions for Youth

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 In South Korea, the issue of isolated youth has been receiving increasing attention. According to the “2024 Survey on the Lives of Youth” conducted by the government last year, the proportion of isolated or withdrawn youth is 5.2%. These young people rarely go out or have very limited social interactions, which can be seen not just as an individual problem but as a social and structural issue.

 

Why We Should Care About Isolated Youth

 

Isolated youth live cut off from society, which can lead to feelings of depression and helplessness and intensify social isolation.

Their lack of social participation also has broader implications, potentially resulting in losses for communities and the nation as a whole.

 

The government is also implementing various programs to address the issue of socially isolated and withdrawn youth. (Source: Screenshot from the Ministry of Health and Welfare website)

How the Social Economy and Social Innovation Connect to Isolated Youth

 

In reality, it is often difficult for isolated youth to enter the labor market.

What they need to successfully participate and establish themselves in society includes:

 

👉Rebuilding social networks

👉Gaining stable and meaningful work experience

👉Opportunities to participate in and contribute to their communities


The social economy and social innovation can provide this multi-dimensional support. They not only help youth enter society but also allow them to develop skills and understand the social value of their work.

 

Social economy and social innovation organizations are often more flexible and participatory than traditional companies.

This means that isolated youth face lower entry barriers and can maintain longer-term engagement once they join.

 

Models for Isolated Youth in the Social Economy and Social Innovation

 

Examples of social economy and social innovation models that isolated youth can engage in include:

👉Youth-led social venture projects: Youth take the lead in solving meaningful social problems

👉Community-based cooperative jobs: Youth participate in organizations operated with local residents

👉Community-based care, education, and cultural content development: Youth leverage their experiences as resources and connect with their communities

 

These approaches do more than simply provide a job—they create pathways for isolated youth to connect with society and achieve independence.

Through such programs, youth can rebuild social networks, improve self-efficacy, and achieve economic independence.

 

Conclusion

 

Like transitioning youth, the challenges faced by isolated youth cannot be solved by individuals alone.

Society as a whole and citizens must take part in addressing these issues.

The social economy and social innovation provide pathways that go beyond simple employment, opening doors to sustainable living and meaningful social participation.

 

Korea’s examples demonstrate that regional and community-based support can serve as innovative models to promote youth independence.

 

“The social economy and social innovation offer isolated youth more than just jobs—they provide pathways to sustainable independence and meaningful social engagement.”

 

💓Related post

👉Transitioning Youth and the Social Economy: Pathways to Sustainable Independence


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