Dropout from upper secondary education, particularly in vocational education and training, and among boys with immigrant background, is a continuous concern in the public debate. Media’s focus is directed towards political interventions, social inequalities and youth risking permanent labour market marginalisation. In the debates, drop-out has been depicted as the knowledge society’s ‘weak spot’, where the government’s logic of efficiency and economic growth meets the citizens’ hopes for self-realisation and taking charge of one’s life projects. The research conducted at Fafo in this field, seeks to address and problematize our understanding of the phenomenon. What is really dropout, when does it become a problem, and to who? Research interests cover how the education system could and should be designed in order to ensure social inclusion.

Fafo takes part in a broadly composed national research network on dropout, education and the significance of local labour markets.