A LITERACIA FINANCEIRA E OS JOVENS NO SÉCULO XXI

UMA ANÁLISE COMPARATIVA

Abstract

Financial literacy is a fundamental pillar for economic stability, social inclusion, and individual financial well-being, directly influencing the ability to manage resources, make informed decisions, and avoid over-indebtedness. This study examines disparities in financial literacy levels across different regions of the world, with a focus on Europe and emerging economies, assessing the impact of public policies, financial digitalization, and formal education on the financial knowledge of populations. The research is based on data from the OECD (2023), the World Bank (World Bank Group, 2020), and the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (Sachs et al., 2024), complemented by results from the Finances4Youth project, funded by the Erasmus+ program, which conducted a survey on financial literacy among young people (aged 12-25) in Portugal, Romania, and Cape Verde between October and December 2023.

The findings reveal that countries integrating financial literacy into school curricula exhibit higher levels of financial knowledge and greater economic inclusion. Conversely, regions where financial education is not prioritized face structural challenges, such as high levels of indebtedness and financial exclusion. The comparative analysis also highlights the crucial role of multidimensional financial literacy — encompassing knowledge of financial products, consumer rights, and decision-making skills — in promoting financial well-being and economic inclusion, particularly among young people (Alqam & Hamshari, 2024; Rodriguez et al., 2024). Additionally, financial digitalization emerges as a transformative factor, expanding access to financial services but requiring digital literacy programs to prevent the exclusion of populations with limited technological familiarity (Costa et al., 2023).

This study underscores the need for public policies that promote financial literacy as a fundamental right, integrating it into school curricula and developing innovative initiatives to ensure equitable access to financial knowledge. Such measures are essential for fostering the economic resilience of societies in the 21st century, contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in terms of quality education (SDG 4), sustainable economic growth (SDG 8), and reduced inequalities (SDG 10).