Her PhD was part of a broad-based international consortium study on NEETs led by Levels. Focusing on young people aged 15 to 29, Van Vugt examined the role of institutions from an international perspective. Across countries, low literacy (lacking the reading and writing skills to participate in today’s information society) turned out to be the strongest predictor of becoming NEET. Active labour-market policies, such as job-application training, were of little help. “These policies only work for people who are literate. Policymakers, including here in Limburg, tend to focus on this easier-to-reach group, as there are often subsidies involved.”

At the national level, Van Vugt examined the role of the family in becoming NEET. Her findings showed that parental resources (income, education and skills) have a protective and preventive effect. However, ‘shocks’ such as divorce or a sharp drop in household income can lead to school dropout—a strong predictor of becoming NEET.

These are eye-opening findings, says Levels. “Lynn has convincingly shown that children are often not to blame for dropping out of school. It’s their socioeconomic background that makes them vulnerable. Their disengagement usually stems from a lack of ability rather than a lack of willingness. If you look at it that way, it’s clear that policy changes are needed.”

Relevant research

When the research position became available, Levels immediately approached Van Vugt. “As a young researcher, Lynn had already proven herself. She’d previously developed the school reports for the Dutch National Cohort Study on Education, so I knew she had the skills to organise this highly complex project.” For Van Vugt, what mattered was that the study was of both academic and societal relevance. “It wouldn’t end up in a drawer somewhere. Policymakers can actually use our findings.”

The pair enjoyed working together. They formed a genuine team, says Van Vugt, together with her second supervisor, emeritus professor Rolf van der Velden. “What I’ve always appreciated about Lynn is her ability to use reason and persuasion,” Levels says. “These are important skills that require courage. She taught me that amid all the chaos, it’s possible to respectfully request priority for something you urgently need.” In turn, Van Vugt learnt a lot from her supervisor—not least the importance of a good work–life balance. Levels: “She kept on working through her pregnancy until I told her, ‘Now it’s time to stop.’”

Personalised approach

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to prevent young people from becoming NEET. “Tax incentives, home visits from school inspectors—they don’t solve the underlying problem,” Levels says. “Current policies fail because they target the common denominator, the easy cases.” Childcare may be an exception, Van Vugt suggests: “If you make childcare cheaper—or better yet, free—young mothers are more likely to use it, and thus return to work or school.”

But in most cases, Van Vugt recommends a personalised approach. “There’s always more going on than just low literacy. Every case is complex.” As for prevention, she envisions a larger role for schools, which should enter into dialogue with vulnerable students facing multiple, complex problems. “Paid internships for younger people could also help. Combining working and learning would allow them to build up a professional network and gain relevant skills.”