Felix Salmon comments on the "global phenomenon" of youth unemployment, pointing to both the Arab Spring protests in the Middle East and Occupy Wall Street in the US.
Of course, this is a serious issue in Latin America as well. Here is a recent speech from ECLAC on the subject and an article covering ILO statistics. Youth account for half the unemployed in the region and the rate of youth unemployment is between two and five times the average in nearly every country. The statistics are worse at lower income levels. The large number of "Ni-Nis", youth neither in school or working, is a large population that will face lifelong economic challenges and is increasingly vulnerable to recruitment by organized crime and gangs.
As you read the numerous articles and comments about economic growth in Latin America in 2012 being published around the new year, this is a good time to think about statistics beyond GDP. Many of the statistics for the studies on youth unemployment I cite above were taken during better economic years in Latin America. With growth projections decreased for 2011 and 2012, the current situation for youth unemployment is almost certainly getting worse. That could have major economic, political and social implications moving into 2012.
