Causes and Effects of Waithood and Youth Mobility: Comparing the Youth in South Korea and the Middle East

Abstract

Waithood, as a social phenomenon, has emerged in this complex, contentious, and uneven global political-economic environment. This paper discusses the phenomenon of waithood faced by youth in Egypt and South Korea. Waithood describes the inability of young people to achieve true economic or social independence at the expected age, resulting in restricted social mobility. This period is often viewed as “waiting for adulthood.” Through a comparative study, this research systematically elucidates the specific manifestations of waithood among Egyptian and Korean youth. Economically, they struggle to find suitable formal employment and are heavily involved in informal activities. Politically, they express their political demands and participate in political activities in various ways within their respective countries. Additionally, this study examines and compares the causes of waithood in both nations, identifying commonalities. Based on these findings, the paper proposes relatively feasible policy recommendations to mitigate the waithood phenomenon, offering insights for future research.