The marginal position of young people in the Finnish labour market is often linked in the literature to their marginalization from social networks. The main aim of this study is to show that this is not necessarily the case - being at the margins of the labour market does not automatically mean that a person is also socially marginalized. The analysis of the egocentric social networks of these young people shows that, although marginalized in the labour market, they have relatively large social networks. Most young adults have plenty of friends and a family that is important to them. Quite a few have relatives with whom they are closely connected.
Authorities are also present in the social networks.
In terms of the network size, it is somewhat questionable to consider this group as socially excluded. 31-37 Youth associations began coming into existence in Finland towards the end of the nineteenth century. Youth associations were the first type of social organization in which both leaders and members were ordinary citizens. This meant a clear departure from previous practice. The youth organization had to find its slot in the local community.