by choice or lack of options. There is also a lack of specific data for rural populations and very few studies offer a dedicated gender analysis. Research that delves deeper into these issues can help deepen the understanding of the problem, the different groups affected and individuals’ own attitudes and behaviors.

**What are young individuals’ motivations for not participating in work or school?** The young woman quoted above refers to the general difficulty of searching for a job; and reflects throughout her interview how her (socio-economic) background and lack of qualifications make her an undesirable candidate for a good job opportunity. At the same time, the resignation she shares is built on her reiterated experiences of failure in finding a job or finishing school within a context of limited opportunities, leading to her perceived inability to affect change in her own life. She lacks the support systems to facilitate access to these opportunities and – as a woman – feels she faces an additional set of disadvantages to do so.

**Drawing on qualitative data from Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil, this research explores gender dimensions in causes and consequences of being out of work and out of school for poor youth.** The paper is based on 108 in-depth interviews with key informants and young males and females (18-25 years)<sup>7</sup> in rural and urban Pernambuco, <mark>Brazil. Interviews explored a range of themes including: family and community contexts; experiences and perceptions about work and education; aspirations, plans for the future and perceived barriers to implement them; and knowledge about public policies.</mark>

**<mark>This research adds value to the existing literature in two main ways. First, the use of qualitative methods provides additional insights on the topic since most of the available literature relies on quantitative methodologies.</mark>** <mark>Open-ended questions enable participants to express their views in their own words and to invoke themes that are most relevant to them. This allows researchers to explore new perspectives on the issue; and helps unpack subjective and intangible factors such as meanings, attitudes, beliefs and perceptions of youth and how their family and community contexts may have shaped their behaviors and choices.</mark>

**Second, the specific focus on gender-related issues enables an understanding of the different underlying causes and consequences faced by young women and men.** Girls and boys may have different experiences and perceptions about their roles in society. Gendered social norms can shape girls’ and boys’ aspirations. Motivators to drop out of school and labor markets are likely to differ across genders. Understanding gender dimensions of the “ _nem nem”_ phenomenon helps identify strategies that may break the intergenerational persistence of gender inequalities – particularly among the vulnerable populations.

> 7 <mark>Adolescent males and females were not recruited because of ethical concerns and respective research procedures. For example, Brazilian regulations require that informed consent is obtained both from the minor and their guardian, which would make recruitment substantially harder.</mark>

6