Abstract

Drawing on two local welfare measures for housing and employment inclusion for young people in Milan, this article focuses on the ways activation unfolds in these policy fields discussing the requirements needed to access local supports and the implications for youth social inclusion. Examined case studies and content analysis from semi-structured interviews with policy actors and practitioners show that in both policy domains mechanisms of self-reliance and self-responsibilisation are promoted as crucial reference values to tackle the question of youth inclusion. Such approach is based on activation principles and logics of investment that entail several limits primarily related to inclusion-exclusion mechanisms. We argue that such limitations reinforce the binding nature to be equipped with the best soft skills, resourcefulness and willingness to take up risks or greater responsibilities not only to cope with the rise of uncertainties but also to access local welfare opportunities.