Contrary to stereotypes of young generations of Australians being narcissistic or complacent, researchers say both cohorts are united in concerns about the future of our environment.
Generation X worries what climate change will mean for their own children, while Generation Y is concerned about the impact on future generations, the study by Dr. Jenny Chesters, Dr. Julia Cook, Associate Professor Hernan Cuervoand Professor Johanna Wynshows.
The Life Patterns longitudinal study by researchers at the Youth Research Centre, Melbourne Graduate School of Educationhas followed both generations of Australians since they left secondary school, tracking their experiences in education, the job market, family and personal relationships as well as their attitudes to life, concerns, health and wellbeing.
Cohort 1 left high school in 1991 and Cohort 2 left high school in 2006.
“In 2017, we asked participants to nominate the three most important issues facing Australia,” said Julia Cook, Research Fellow at the MGSE Youth Research Centre.