Toivoa tutkimassa: Ekologisten, sosiaalisten ja taloudellisten arvojen vertaileva analyysi X-sukupolven ja milleniaalien nuoruudessa
This paper delves into a comprehensive exploration of ecological, social, and economic values, focusing on the attitudes of hope, within the context of Generation X and Millennials. The study specifically investigates the youth of Finland from Generation X (born in the 1960s and 1970s) and Millennials (born in the 1980s and 1990s), comparing their perspectives. Data spanning various years—1992, 1995, 2011, and 2015—were collected through consistent attitude scales that address topics including solidarity, environmental concerns, gender dynamics, work, science and technology, immigration, economic well-being, and politics. The research employs factor analysis to discern the underlying value structures inherent in the youth of both generations.
Among the shared value structures of Generation X and Millennials are humanism, traditionalism, individualism, and globalism. Interestingly, the study unveils a decline in postmaterialist values during periods of economic downturn, which consequently impacted solidarity attitudes. Notably, expressions of solidarity were more easily directed towards individuals within one’s own country rather than those from foreign nations. Generation X youth demonstrated socio-democratic solidarity attitudes towards fellow citizens, while Millennials exhibited liberal solidarity, particularly towards disadvantaged people of society. A gender-based analysis reveals that young females from both generations exhibited more postmaterialistic values, such as gender equality, ethnic tolerance, globalization, and environmental consciousness. Conversely, young males displayed more materialist values and a heightened trust in science and technology.
Furthermore, the research discovered positive forward-looking attitudes among young Millennials, indicative of their potential to contribute to a comprehensive sense of identity. The emergence of nationalist values within the Millennial cohort is also noteworthy.
This study’s findings prompt critical discussions on youth, solidarity, and values. It sheds light on how historical and socio-economic contexts shape generational outlooks, and the implications of these findings are discussed.