Abstract: This paper investigates an emerging social phenomenon in Taiwan: the new unemployed cohort (“Not currently engaged in Employment, Education or Training”, or “NEET”). The author examines how the changing social environment, personal history, family intergenerational relationship, and education contribute to making this cohort isolated and unable to enter the labor force. The paper further discusses the impact of the NEET cohort on the family and the social problems arising from the NEET phenomenon, and makes policy recommendation.