MILAN (ITALPRESS) – The year 2024 has seen an improvement in the working and personal lives of young Italians, but also a growing detachment from political and social institutions. While confidence in their individual futures is increasing, uncertainty about the global context and macroeconomic dynamics persists. This is what emerges from the GenerationShip 2024 research by Kkienn Connecting People and Companies for Unipol Group, now in its third edition. The study offers a detailed picture of the main transformations affecting Italian teens during 2024. Priorities are increasingly oriented toward economic and professional fulfillment, with declining interest in raising a family, a trend that has strengthened in recent years. In 2024, younger generations said they are equally or more interested than in the past in career advancement (84 percent) and economic well-being (84 percent), while getting married or living together and having children is considered unimportant or not at all for more than 50 percent of Gen Z and Millennials. These goals, while remaining relevant, are no longer seen as mandatory steps. The family is formed only if economic conditions allow. In addition, choosing not to have children is no longer considered taboo. Women are driving this change with a more radical outlook: compared to last year, the percentage of girls between the ages of 16 and 35 who have among their most important goals to obtain a degree is up 42 percent. For men, the value increases by only 17 percent. Women also attach greater importance to job stability (+40% vs. +11% for men) and career (+39% vs. +15%). They are also less interested than last year in getting married (-55% vs -38% men) or having children (-58% vs -41% men). The labor market has shown signs of improvement, with an increase in youth employment. Overall satisfaction with one’s employment has increased slightly, with an average rating of 6.71 compared to 6.63 in 2023. However, many young people continue to seek safer, higher-paying alternatives, and the Great Resignation phenomenon is still significant. The propensity to emigrate although declining – from 2022 to 2024 it decreased from 58 percent to 45 percent – still remains a choice for those who see no other opportunities in Italy. Italian education gets an average rating of 6.3 from Gen Z and Millennials. Younger people are increasingly dissatisfied with their education (from 42% in 2022 to 47% in 2024). Among the main shortcomings: an excessive focus on theory and little practical experience (47 percent), poor quality teachers (44 percent), and lack of direct connection to the world of work. In the past year, all the critical issues noted have increased. Among the main causes of dissatisfaction are programs that do not value individual differences (+6 points) and quality of education that varies too much from region to region (+4 points). Although some merits are recognized, such as the ability to provide excellent general preparation (25 percent), the need for a profound reform of the educational system to meet the needs of the new generations emerges. 16-35 year olds describe a sexually free society in which there are more casual relationships (72 percent, up 7 percent from 2023), many women have adopted freer sexual behavior (70 percent), sexuality is talked about more openly (69 percent), and a wider range of preferences (67 percent) and different forms of relationships (66 percent) are accepted. Dating or sexual relationships born on social are increasing for all generations except Gen Z, where the figure is declining (34% in 2023 vs. 31% in 2024). Use of dating apps has decreased among young people (from 34% to 30%), but increased among adults aged 36-74 (from 15% to 21%). Moreover, 68% of Gen Z and Millennials say they feel pressured by the unattainable aesthetic models promoted by social media, which fuel image-related insecurities and anxieties. Young people’s interest in politics remains low (43 percent), with a growing distrust of institutions and democracy: 69 percent do not trust Italian politics. Against a backdrop of international crisis, the idea of a united Europe has gained ground as a symbol of cooperation and the future, but only a minority recognize Europe as part of their identity (54% feel European, but only 18% strongly). Gender tensions are bound to grow. Today’s young women want to take control over their lives and question the role society assigns them. They desire a better education, a good job, despite often being at a disadvantage. Young males share the values but not the burdens. (ITALPRESS).
Photo: Photogram Agency
