Young people on a labour market. A comparative analysis of Cracow and Kiev youth unemployment 2000-2006

Sabina Augustyn, Cracow University
Zina Palyan, Kiev National University of Economics
Jozef Pociecha, Cracow University

Post-socialistic societies faced new reality after overthrowing communism. Political and economic alterations forced young people to find their place in competitive labour market and experience the unemployment phenomenon. Youth unemployment has a specific character due to both demographic and socio-economic features of this group. Age characteristics determine a particular social motivation of young people, their labour behavior and their adaptation to the existing labour market. This paper focuses on situation of young people on labour market in two science-education and business centers – Cracow and Kiev. Authors attempt to compare youth unemployment in those two cities revealing common and diverse features, as well.