Abstract

This paper critically analyses the latest trends and current developments in methods to profile jobseekers in Public Employment Services. It uses the Sociology of Public Policy Instrumentation and studies on the informational basis of judgment as sensitive frameworks. The paper focuses on the most well-established approaches to jobseeker profiling across OECD countries, providing an overview of types and methodologies. Then the article discusses the methodological choices underpinning the profiling system adopted by the Italian Youth Guarantee Program, analysing its indicators. The article presents some conclusions on the risks of statistical profiling to miss the program's statutory objective: the equal treatment of its target population. Such failure exacerbates preexisting territorial differences.