Nearly Half of Young Argentines Vulnerable, Facing Discouragement, UBA Report Warns

Nearly half of young Argentines between 18 and 29 years old are living in social vulnerability, according to a new report from the University of Buenos Aires (UBA). The study, which aimed to create a "radiograph" of young people in disadvantaged circumstances, paints a stark picture of informal labor and a sharp deterioration in mental well-being, marked by widespread anxiety and depression.

The research, titled "Vulnerable Youth in Argentina: Living Conditions, Beliefs, and Expectations for the Future," indicates that vulnerability is no longer a marginal issue but a structural characteristic affecting over 4.1 million young people nationwide. A particularly concerning finding is the "Triple Ni" segment – those who neither work nor study, and have stopped looking for work. This group, labeled "absolute inactivity" by researchers, constitutes 33% of vulnerable youth.

"This disconnection reflects a breakdown in expectations of progress, where the labor market is no longer perceived as an accessible space for inclusion," stated Juan Cruz Esquivel, the research director. He added that among young people who are inactive or unemployed (30.6%), only four in ten have recently searched for work, demonstrating deeply rooted discouragement and the scale of the youth social crisis.

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This disconnection reflects a breakdown in expectations of progress, where the labor market is no longer perceived as an accessible space for inclusion.

The report surveyed 1,002 individuals aged 18-29 in major urban centers between December 2025 and January 2026. Vulnerability was assessed using the INDEC's Household Material Deprivation Index, which considers income insufficiency and housing deficiencies. The findings confirm that work is not a guaranteed escape from poverty, with 56.9% of young people reporting that household incomes are insufficient to make ends meet, even when employed.

Women are disproportionately affected, with 62.3% experiencing income insufficiency compared to 53% of men. For those vulnerable youth who do find employment, conditions are often precarious, with the report noting a concentration of jobs in low-activity sectors. Despite this adverse environment, a significant majority of the surveyed youth still believe education is the main route to improving their future.

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Among the young people who are inactive or unemployed (30.6%), the recent search for employment reaches only four out of ten, evidencing deeply rooted processes of discouragement and the magnitude of the youth social crisis.