ABSTRACT
In many countries, young people’s uncertain place in the education and labour markets is reflected in social policy and social work practices. Since the turn of the millennium, policies and practices addressing the issue of youth unemployment have changed dramatically. The chapter traces activation policy developments in Sweden over the last 20 years and analyses activation discourses and practices in a working-class town, based on a longitudinal study of young people from their last year in school, through labour market activation and into adulthood. The participants’ experiences reveal the opportunities and resources that society provides and how their life choices could be reduced or shut down. The prevailing public and political discourse is seen to reflect a patriarchal tradition that contributes to an enduring negative image of the town and its inhabitants.
