ABSTRACT
The project set out to analyse the effects of policies on young people (aged 16–25) across rural areas of Europe, focusing in particular on their integration with or exclusion from labour markets. For this purpose, a methodology was employed which was based on the recognition that little information exists on young people’s attitudes towards economic and social issues. It thus seemed an ethical as well as pragmatic imperative to shed light on the youngsters’ views through interviews and focus group discussions, and to take a ‘bottom up’ approach when considering policy options. Since it is young people themselves who have most expertise in the conditions, which contribute towards shaping their lives, their accounts can clearly make valuable contributions to the formulation of policies and to practice development.
