Catalyzing Youth Economic Empowerment: A Comparative Human Capital Analysis of Care Leavers in Costa Rica and North Macedonia

Abstract:
This research interrogates the extent to which investments in youth human capital foster economic mobility and long-term employment prospects for care leavers in emerging economies. Through a comparative, mixed-methods study of Costa Rica and North Macedonia, this project juxtaposes macroeconomic indicators with original qualitative data drawn from financial literacy interventions. By situating youth narratives within broader economic frameworks, the study seeks to illuminate structural inequities, evaluate policy efficacy, and propose evidence-based recommendations for more inclusive human capital development models.

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Introduction:

Human capital development is widely regarded as a cornerstone of sustainable economic growth; however, marginalized populations such as youth exiting alternative care systems often remain peripheral to these investments. This study focuses on bridging the empirical gap between systemic policy efforts and the lived economic realities of care leavers, assessing how national strategies align—or fail to align—with youth aspirations and barriers to economic inclusion.

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Literature Review:

This research carries personal significance. As a care leaver myself, I have witnessed firsthand the profound gap between systemic investments and the practical challenges faced by youth transitioning to independence. My lived experience, combined with my work facilitating financial literacy workshops for vulnerable youth, informs my commitment to understanding and improving human capital development pathways for marginalized young people.

 

- Becker, G. (1964). Human Capital Theory: Education and training as central drivers of economic output.

 

- Labor Market Segmentation Theory: Structural disadvantages impacting marginalized youth employment trajectories.

 

- NEET Phenomenon (Eurostat, ILO): Broader implications of youth disengagement from education and employment.

 

- Empirical studies on care leavers: Transition outcomes, systemic vulnerabilities, and policy interventions.

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Methodology:​ 

Quantitative Analysis:

 

- Cross-national macroeconomic comparison:

- GDP per capita (PPP-adjusted)

- Youth unemployment rates (ages 15-24)

- Labor force participation rates

- NEET rates

- Data Sources: World Bank Open Data, ILO, national statistics offices.

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Qualitative Analysis:

- Field-based primary data:

- Semi-structured interviews with 5 SOS Costa Rica youth participants (anonymous, thematically coded).

- Secondary data acquisition (pending approval):

- SOS North Macedonia's YEEP program outcomes (completion and employment rates).

- Thematic coding framework: Career aspirations, perceived structural barriers, workplace values, emotional readiness for labor market integration.

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Analytical Approach:

- Comparative case study method.

- Triangulation of quantitative trends with thematic qualitative findings.

- Critical policy analysis to identify systemic gaps and cross-regional divergences.

 

Conclusion:

This study will extend beyond traditional economic analysis by incorporating youth agency and narrative as essential evaluative metrics. In doing so, it will contribute to a nuanced understanding of how human capital investments can be recalibrated to better serve vulnerable youth populations, ultimately offering a replicable model for policymakers seeking to bridge opportunity gaps in emerging economies.

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References :

- Becker, G. (1964).

 

Human Capital: A Theoretical and Empirical Analysis, with Special Reference to Education.

- World Bank Open Data

- International Labour Organization (ILO) Youth Employment Statistics

- Pioneer Research Program curated readings

- Internal reporting (if available) from SOS Children's Villages (Costa Rica and North Macedonia)

 

Optional Appendix:

- Thematic coding matrix: Key patterns emerging from youth interviews.

- Comparative graphs: Youth unemployment rates, NEET percentages, and labor participation in Costa Rica vs. North Macedonia.

- Workshop methodology and curriculum overview.

- Ethics statement on data collection and anonymization practices.

 

Formatting Note:

- APA 7th edition citation style will be employed.

- References listed alphabetically by the lead author's last name.

- Full anonymization protocols observed for youth participant data