A young adult balances precarious work with institutional pressures.

Navigating the Tightrope: How Young Adults Balance Activation, Precariousness, and the Welfare State

Kai Mendoza in Culture & Society June 2025 • 4 min read.

"A Deep Dive into Institutional Interventions and Biographical Strategies in Modern Germany"

The transition to adulthood is rarely a smooth journey, particularly in times of economic uncertainty and evolving social policies. In Germany, young adults face the dual challenge of 'activation'—government policies designed to get them into the workforce—and 'precarization,' the increasing instability and insecurity of employment. How do these forces shape their lives, and how do they adapt?

A revealing conference held on January 21, 2014, at the University of Kassel delved into these critical questions. The event, titled 'Young Adults between Activation and Precarization – Institutional Interventions and Biographical Strategies in the Welfare State,' brought together researchers studying the intricate relationship between young people, institutional support, and the evolving landscape of work and social welfare.

This article synthesizes key findings and discussions from the conference, offering insights into the experiences of young adults navigating Germany's welfare state. We will explore the impact of activation policies, the challenges of precarious work, and the strategies young people employ to construct meaningful and sustainable lives.

Understanding Activation and Precarization: A Deep Dive

A young adult balances precarious work with institutional pressures.

The conference highlighted the work of a junior research group led by Mechthild Bereswill, which focused on how young adults experience and process activation and precarization within the German welfare system. The research examined not only the policies themselves but also the lived experiences of those subject to them.

Central to the discussion was the concept of the 'activating welfare state.' This refers to a system where social benefits are increasingly tied to participation in the labor market. Individuals are encouraged, and sometimes required, to seek employment or training in order to receive support. While the intention is to promote self-sufficiency, the reality can be more complex, particularly for young adults facing precarious job prospects.

Activation Policies: Government strategies aimed at moving individuals from welfare to work through job training, job search assistance, and sometimes mandatory participation.
Precarization: The growing instability and insecurity of employment, characterized by short-term contracts, low wages, and limited benefits.
Welfare State: A system in which the government plays a key role in protecting and promoting the economic and social well-being of its citizens.

The research underscored that activation policies and precarization disproportionately affect young adults, who often lack the skills, experience, and social capital to compete in a rapidly changing labor market. The conference participants emphasized the need to understand how these forces interact and shape the life trajectories of young people.

Looking Ahead: Implications and Future Research

The conference at the University of Kassel provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing young adults in Germany's evolving welfare state. By examining the intersection of activation policies, precarious employment, and individual agency, the research offers a nuanced understanding of how young people navigate these complex forces. As policymakers grapple with the future of work and social welfare, these findings can inform more effective and equitable policies that support young adults in building secure and fulfilling lives.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.3224/gender.v6i3.18552, Alternate LINK

Title: Junge Erwachsene Zwischen Aktivierung Und Prekarisierung – Institutionelle Interventionen Und Biografische Verarbeitungen Im Wohlfahrtsstaat. Tagung Am 21. Januar 2014 An Der Universität Kassel

Subject: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Journal: Gender

Publisher: Verlag Barbara Budrich GmbH

Authors: Joana Coppi

Published: 2014-09-29

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly are 'activation policies' and how do they aim to influence employment?

Activation policies are government strategies designed to transition individuals from welfare to work. These policies often involve job training, job search assistance, and sometimes mandatory participation in employment-related activities. The goal is to encourage self-sufficiency, but they can pose challenges for young adults facing precarious employment situations. These policies are part of a broader concept of the activating welfare state. The effectiveness and fairness of these policies are subjects of ongoing debate.

Can you explain the concept of 'precarization' and how it affects the job market, particularly for young people?

Precarization refers to the increasing instability and insecurity in employment. This is characterized by short-term contracts, low wages, and limited access to benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans. For young adults, precarization can make it difficult to establish financial stability and plan for the future. It also exacerbates the challenges posed by activation policies. Precarization is a growing trend in many developed economies, reflecting shifts in labor market dynamics and employer practices.

What is meant by the term 'welfare state,' and what role does it play in the lives of young adults?

The welfare state is a system in which the government plays a central role in protecting and promoting the economic and social well-being of its citizens. This typically involves providing social benefits, such as unemployment insurance, healthcare, and education. In Germany, the welfare state is undergoing reforms aimed at 'activation,' which seeks to integrate individuals into the labor market. The interaction between the welfare state, activation policies, and precarization profoundly impacts the lives of young adults.

How are young adults specifically impacted by the intersection of activation policies, precarious employment, and the welfare state in Germany?

Young adults in Germany are impacted by activation policies, precarious employment, and the welfare state, often lacking the skills, experience, and social connections necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing job market. They may face pressure to enter the workforce quickly while encountering unstable job prospects and limited social support. This can lead to feelings of insecurity and uncertainty about the future. Young adults must develop strategies to navigate these challenges and build sustainable lives.

What are the key implications and potential avenues for future research arising from the discussions about young adults, activation, precarization, and the welfare state at the University of Kassel conference?

The University of Kassel conference highlighted the need for policymakers to develop more effective and equitable policies that support young adults in building secure and fulfilling lives. This could involve strengthening social safety nets, investing in education and training programs, and promoting policies that encourage stable employment. Future research should focus on understanding the long-term impacts of activation policies and precarization on young people's well-being and life trajectories. It is crucial to ensure that policies are designed to empower young adults rather than exacerbate their vulnerabilities.