NCJ Number
180858
Journal
EURA Reporter Volume: 27 Issue: 3 Dated: November 1997 Pages: 7-10
Date Published
1997
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This study examined the extent of "idleness" (not being involved in worthwhile activities) among Minnesota youth, along with the factors that contribute to idleness.
Abstract
The study used data from the 1980 and 1990 U.S. Census to investigate the activities of youth in the State. The 1980 sample consisted of 42,882 individuals, and the 1990 sample had of 32,282. All residents between the ages of 15 and 25 years were considered as to be youth. Their activities were classified as school only, school and work, work only, in the military, and unemployed but looking for work. If youth were not in one of these categories, they were considered to be "idle." In 1990, 90 percent of youth were involved in school, work, or both, a slight increase over the percentage so engaged in 1980. The percentage of youth who were "idle" decreased from 9.2 percent in 1980 to 6.2 percent in 1990. Low income, low levels of education, and single-parent families, all of which occur more often in the central cities, were associated with a greater probability of idleness. These findings are consistent with the theory that youth from these backgrounds do not have strong role models and do not see the value of education. Although older youth are more likely to be idle, there has been a large increase in idleness among very young youth (15 and 16 years old). These are troubling developments, as the connection between higher education and economic success is becoming more pronounced. 4 tables