In early 2024, Brazil’s youth unemployment rate surged to 16.8% for 18- to 24-year-olds, showcasing both challenges and resilience in the young workforce. The National Household Sample Survey (PNAD) released on May 17 detailed these trends, revealing a decrease in young adult unemployment from 2.7 million to 2.5 million over the past year. Despite this, disparities persist, with women, Black, and Brown individuals facing higher joblessness rates than the national average.
The overall unemployment rate decreased to 7.9%, the lowest since 2014, following a usual uptick post-holidays. The report highlighted positive shifts in unemployment across all age groups, with reductions seen in the 14-17, 25-39, and 40-59 brackets. Nonetheless, demographics continue to influence job prospects, displaying ongoing disparities.
This data aligns with a notable trend of Brazilian youth expressing a desire to emigrate, driven by economic and political frustrations. With 67% reportedly considering leaving the country, concerns over low wages, high crime rates, and limited opportunities shape their decision-making. Despite government initiatives, skepticism remains high, with many youths feeling stagnant in their current circumstances.