Can't Count Generation Z Out: Youth Want to Be Heard
Preferred Preferences of Generation Z: Understanding the Desires of Modern Youth
The misconception that Generation Z is nonchalant and uninterested in life couldn't be further from the truth. A recent survey by the Bertelsmann Foundation and the Institute for Social Work e.V. (ISA) reveals that young people yearn for involvement and change. They simply need to be asked more often.
Nearly half (49.3%) of the 1000 children and young people aged 10 to 15 surveyed said they were "rather satisfied" or "very satisfied" with their lives. Just 5% admitted to being "not satisfied." So, maybe it's time we challenge the stereotypes plaguing Generation Z.
Life Priorities and Money Matters
When asked about what was essential for a good life, around a third (33%) named social relationships with peers. Family relationships were a close second, with roughly a fifth (20%) considering them most important.
To essentially nobody's surprise, nine out of ten respondents regarded money as crucial, chiefly as a means to fund shared activities with friends. More frivolous items such as fashion, cosmetics, technology, and hobbies ranked next for 67%, followed by the internet and phone at 55%.
However, worryingly, only about 20% of parents foot the bill for their children's social activities with friends. The rest have to manage on their own pockets, which can inadvertently lead to isolation for those who can't afford it.
Half have money worries
Crediting the unsuspecting concerns for these financial constraints, it's no surprise that half (46.4%) of the respondents expressed frequent worries about their family's financial situation. One in four (49%) also acknowledged having missed out on something their friends could afford.
Mind, Body, and Financial Wellness
This isn't just about missing out on trends. Budget woes and mounting costs for necessities like rent and food can adversely affect family dynamics and mental health. "Young people realize when their family is struggling. Financial limitations are perceived," the study notes. Almost one-third (36%) indicated that they needed more money to live well.
It's not just the hard cash, though. School, grades, homework, exams, global conflicts, climate change, and the rise of right-wing populism all contribute to the pressure young people face. Lukas Thiehoff from the JugendExpert:innenTeam of the Bertelsmann Foundation warns: "Young people don't need to live in this state. They should be freer in their lives and less controlled by fears.”
The School Struggle
Despite around 61% of respondents rating their school as "good" or even "very good," their opinions on grading are split. Most (52.3%) find grades either unnecessary or not necessary at all for their learning process. Only around 13% said they needed grades for academic growth. Homework fared even worse, with 63.7% of students deeming it a burden that could potentially exacerbate classroom inequalities.
The majority believes that other things are far more important: "Clarity about why something is learned in class, the opportunity to ask questions when something is not understood, places where one can concentrate, tasks that interest them," and lastly, "the opportunity to participate in determining the topics of instruction."
Let's Hear It from the Youth
Romance Bassingha, a member of the JugendExpert:innenTeam, wishes for more participation, especially on the political level. "There are lobby groups for everything, but not for students and young people. I wish the Bundestag were younger. And I wish for more youth participation."
The sentiment resonates with Generation Z's desire for a say in decisions affecting their future. Many young people feel overlooked in the political sphere. "We just want to live in peace. And we want to have a say. We're old enough to make decisions. Some of us can even vote. We have answers, but we're not being asked. I'm so angry at politics."
Generation Z is no longer content with being overlooked or stereotyped. They demand change, and their voices are worth listening to.
References: ntv.de
- Generation Z
- Bertelsmann Foundation
- Education
- School
- Politics
- Youth Participation
- Financial Concerns
- Homework
- Gen Z's involvement in community policy is pivotal as they desire to be heard, which was revealed in a study regarding their lifestyle priorities.
- In the study, it was found that a significant number of Gen Z, in their vocational training years, prioritize food-and-drink, fashion-and-beauty, andtechnology, illustrating their focus on self-development and general-news.
- Education-and-self-development is vital to Gen Z, with many believing that grades and homework are less important than clarity about what is learned, the opportunity to ask questions, and the ability to participate in determining the topics of instruction.
- Politicians should take note as Gen Z, expressing frustration over their perceived lack of political representation, are increasingly vocal about their desire for youth participation in decision-making processes that impact their future.
