Off Versus Old: Busting the Myths About Generation Z
A survey reveals the genuine desires of youth, providing insights into their preferences and expectations.
Want to know the truth about the so-called lazy, whiny Generation Z? Here's a reality check based on a nationwide survey of youngsters aged 10-15. They're not just entitled brats - they want to make a difference and have a voice! But they're not being asked enough.
The Bertelsmann Foundation and the Institute for Social Work (ISA) surveyed over 1,000 kids and teens to understand what they need for a good life and how satisfied they are. The findings? About half of them were "fairly satisfied," and almost 46% were "very satisfied." Only 5% were "not satisfied."
Cash flowing or cash-strapped?
When asked about their priorities for a good life, 30% mentioned quality relationships with peers. Family followed closely, valued by 20%.
While nine out of ten kids ranked money as important, the main use for it was to fund group activities with friends. Fashion, cosmetics, tech, hobbies, and internet came next. However, only around 20% of parents cover their kids' social expenses. The rest? They have to stretch their own budgets - and end up isolated if they can't afford it.
Banking on Bobbins?
Young people are under immense pressure - from school, grades, homework, and exams. They also worry about current global conflicts, climate change, and the rise of far-right movements. Lukas Thiehoff, a member of the Bertelsmann Foundation's YouthExpert Team, says, "Young people shouldn't have to feel this way. They should have more freedom in their lives and less control by fears."
But it’s not just the financial stress that's causing anxiety. Kids realize when their family is struggling economically. They understand when there isn't enough money to live well.
Seeds of Success
School-wise, 61% gave their school a "good" rating, while 34% called it "excellent." But what really raised eyebrows was the attitude towards grades. An overwhelming 52.3% found grades unnecessary or even counterproductive to their learning process. Only 13% insisted they were essential.
Homework was met with even less enthusiasm, with 63.7% saying they felt it "little" or "not at all" necessary for good learning. Homework is often seen as a burden that can exacerbate classroom inequalities, depending on the home environment.
What matters more? The opportunity to ask questions, collaborative learning, clarity about the relevance of lessons, and the chance to co-determine lesson topics.
Not Generation Lazy
More co-determination is what Romance Bassingha, a member of the YouthExpert Team, wants, especially on a political level. "Parliament should be younger, and there should be more youth participation," she says. "Our future is being decided without our input. We just want peace and a voice."
This statement shatters yet another stereotype - that Gen Z is idle. Thiehoff sees the generation grappling with a double standard. "On one hand, they're told they need to work harder and be more ambitious. On the other, they're not being offered a real sense of purpose or a fulfilling future." At the core, it's about achieving self-fulfillment, not just grinding away at a career to the point of exhaustion. Bassingha agrees: "There are many things to say about Gen Z, but lazy is certainly not one of them."
Sources: NTV.DE
Focus Areas:
- Politics and Youth:
- The Bertelsmann Foundation has initiated programs to encourage young people’s political engagement.
- Economic Well-being and Financial Education:
- Research indicates that financial literacy and trust in governmental institutions impact young people's financial well-being.
- Education:
- Ensuring equitable access to quality education is a priority for fostering an engaged, well-rounded youth.
- Student Perspectives and Priorities:
- The majority of Generation Z values self-determination and co-determination in educational and political settings.
- The Community policy should incorporate an increased focus on youth participation in politics, aligning with the sentiments of Generation Z who aim for self-fulfillment beyond a mere career-grinding mentality.
- In the realm of education and self-development, vocational training programs could be a viable strategy to prepare Gen Z for a fulfilling future, as they express a need for purpose and a sense of ambition beyond the traditional work ethic.
- Despite common perceptions, lifestyle choices among Gen Z, as reflected in their priorities for a good life, revolve primarily around relationships, family, and collaborative activities, demonstrating the need for policies and initiatives that prioritize community bonding and connectedness.
