A Critical Analysis of Employment Challenges Among Youth Aging Out of State Welfare Systems

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Science, University of Tehran

2 Department of Sociology Faculty of Social science University of Tehran

Abstract

Abstract:

The transition to independence, or the transition to adulthood, is a significant phase in the lives of young people. Employment is a key indicator of this transition, particularly for young men, as it is influenced by social structures and various forms of capital. This article explores the lived experiences of emancipated youth from the welfare system regarding employment. The study employs a phenomenological approach, using in-depth interviews with nine emancipated young men.The findings reveal that employment becomes inevitable for them after gaining independence. However, they often find themselves marginalized in the labor market, leading to a process of objectification. In this process, individuals lose their social agency and become subjects of management, surveillance, or control. This situation is particularly evident among marginalized groups or those lacking necessary capital, manifesting as repeated cycles of passivity, dependency, and an inability to alter their fate. Consequently, this hinders their successful transition to adulthood. The failure in this transition can be attributed to factors at three levels: individual, institutional, and structural.

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Journal of Applied Sociology

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 09 February 2026

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History

  • Receive Date: 25 September 2025
  • Revise Date: 17 December 2025
  • Accept Date: 09 February 2026
  • Publish Date: 09 February 2026

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