Young people express real fears about the future, study finds
Whether they are Gen Z or Millennials, young people have fragile confidence in the future, unveils the fourth edition of the Youth study, which paints a portrait of the concerns and values of these two generations in the context of a pandemic.
“Being a young person in 2022, what does it mean?” That's the question answered in a study of 3,015 Canadians and 500 Americans aged 15 to 39. The experts analyzed their answers to the fifty or so questions they were asked in connection with citizenship, work and consumption.
Look pessimistic on the future
A big finding emerges: young people express real fears about the future. In fact, whether economically, environmentally, politically or socially, the majority of respondents believe that the situation will not improve. & Nbsp;
The president of the Montreal Island Youth Forum, Powen-Alexandre Morin, believes the study paints a fair picture of youth. “The pandemic context is reflected a bit in the figures and in the perceptions, but it is a realistic reflection of the perception of young people,” he says.
Gender issues, living together, media representation and generational issues are also relatively consensus. & nbsp;
Respondents believe that society and its institutions still produce discrimination linked to ethnocultural membership and gender , disadvantage young people and are not representative.
Work
In addition, the study reveals that more than half of young people (56%) who do not like their job intend to leave it in the next year.
< p> While the labor shortage has reversed the balance of power between employees and employers, Zs and millennials intend to take advantage of this economic context.
Believing that they are able to establish their working conditions, they ask first and foremost for flexibility. Flexibility is the most important factor in hiring and retaining young employees. Indeed, Zs and Millennials hope for flexibility, whether it is for the possibility of teleworking or for their schedule.
However, a majority of respondents (76%) say they enjoy their current job. & nbsp;
Consumption
In addition, young Canadian consumers are demanding, and want efficient consumption, whether they buy online or in store.
Highly informed, the younger generations know the market. Moreover, they consult the opinions as well as the criticisms formulated by other buyers for their “minor” purchases.
In addition, those around them, their relatives and friends can guide them in their substantial expenses, like buying a house or a car. & nbsp;
Involve young people more
Faced with the findings set out in the study, Powen-Alexandre Morin thinks that it is essential to involve young people more in decision-making processes. “It could really be a way to restore their confidence in the bodies of power,” he says. & Nbsp;
The & nbsp; Forum jeunesse de l'île de Montréal wishes to amplify the voice of young people by creating bridges between them and elected officials. “There is really refinancing to be had in youth organizations and funding that is devoted much more to the mission than to the project,” adds Mr. Morin.
