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1. Main challenges to social inclusion

2. Main concepts

Main challenges to social inclusion

The main challenge to achieve greater inclusion of young people in Spain, as identified in the Youth Strategy 2022-30 (Estrategia Juventud 2022-30), is: 

'Allowing young people to become the makers of their own life, support their personal development and their path towards autonomy, reinforce their resilience and equip them with life skills so that they can cope with a changing world'.

This strategy outlines 12 key areas affecting youth inclusion: education, employment, emancipation, health, excluded youth, participatory methodologies, migration, rural world, governance, knowledge, equality and the environment.

The 2024-2030 National Strategy for the Prevention and Fight Against Poverty and Social Exclusion (Estrategia Nacional de Prevención y Lucha Contra la Pobreza y Exclusión Socia 2024-2030)  now serves as the main reference framework for promoting social inclusion policies in Spain. This updated strategy builds upon previous initiatives and introduces new policy measures to address evolving challenges in social inclusion.

The most pressing issues in youth social inclusion debates continue to revolve around:

• Age of emancipation (youth economic independence and access to housing).
• Decent work and employment opportunities.
• Access to quality education and qualifications.
• Mental health and well-being, particularly in response to high rates of youth suicide.
• The digital divide and inclusion in the information society.
• Participation and engagement in democratic life.
• Addressing demographic challenges, including low birth rates and population aging.
• Strengthening European identity and democratic values among young Spaniards.

These challenges are central to the 2024-2030 strategy, which aims to create a more cohesive and inclusive society, with specific measures targeting young people and is expected to focus on:

• Expanding youth employment and training programs.
• Increasing housing support for young and low-income individuals.
• Strengthening social services and financial aid for vulnerable groups.

Statistical Sources and Inclusion Indicators

Accurate data collection is crucial for monitoring and addressing social inclusion challenges.  Spain monitors poverty and social exclusion through several key statistical sources.

The Living Conditions Survey (LCS) is Conducted annually by the National Statistics Institute (INE) since 2004. It is the main source of statistical information on inclusion in Spain. Its purpose is to measure and compare income distribution and social exclusion. It is equivalent to the European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC), of Eurostat.

The AtRisk of Poverty or Social Exclusion  (AROPE)  Rate is the primary measure of social inclusion, used at both the national and EU level. The Gini Coefficient measures income inequality within the population. The Employment and Education Indicators are essential indicators for understanding economic inclusion.

Recent Trends in Poverty and Social Exclusion in Spain

According to the available youth‑specific data collected through the Living Conditions Survey (LCS) 2024 and EU‑SILC, young people continue to face higher risks of poverty and social exclusion than the general population. The AROPE rate for those under 16 remains above the national average, reflecting persistent vulnerabilities that affect young people’s access to housing, education, employment, and essential services

Key Observations:

The overall AROPE rate has decreased, moving from 27.0% in 2020 to 25.8% in 2024, reflecting a 1.2 percentage point improvement over the period. However, the reduction from 2023 to 2024 is smaller (-0.7 points).

Youth (<16 years old) at higher risk – The AROPE rate among children and adolescents has increased significantly from 30.0% in 2020 to 34.7% in 2024 (+4.7 points). In the last year alone, the increase was 0.4 percentage points, showing a worsening trend for this age group.

Main Concepts

Poverty and social exclusion: the reverse of inclusion

Poverty and social exclusion are multidimensional challenges that affect young people's ability to fully participate in society. In Spain, social inclusion policies aim to reduce barriers and promote equal opportunities, particularly for vulnerable youth.

Poverty is the lack and or scarcity of resources to meet needs that society regards as basic. It is commonly measured through three key indicators:

1. Risk of poverty: individuals with an income below 60% of the national median income.
2. Severe Material Deprivation: households unable to afford at least four out of nine essential items (e.g., heating, protein consumption, unexpected expenses)
3. Low work intensity: households where adults worked less than 20% of their potential time in the past year.

Social exclusion is a broader concept referring to the loss of integration or participation in economic, political, and social life. It encompasses:

1. Economic exclusion: barriers to employment, stable income and housing.
2. Political exclusion: limited access to rights, civic participation, and democratic processes.
3. Social exclusion: isolation and lack of access to social networks and support

Inclusion and Active Inclusion

The European Union framework has defined social inclusion as a process ensuring that those at risk of poverty and exclusion have access to opportunities and resources necessary for full participation in society. 

Spain’s social inclusion policies align with the Active Inclusion approach of the European Commission, which promotes access to the labour market, adequate income support, and quality inclusive services.