Projects

Projects - Generations: A Perspective on Gen Y

Source: Victorian Office for Youth

This report was commissioned by the Victorian Office for Youth as a scoping exercise to provide an insight into the charateristics of today's young people (referred to as Gen Y) and to inform planning within Government.

The term Gen Y has been coined in recognition of distinctive generational change in attitudes, life outlook and values that are held by the current generation of 15 to 25 year olds. It was felt that the nature of these changes and what they mean need to be brought into sharper focus for purposes of policy and program development relating to this generation of young people in Victoria. Beyond the popular stereotypes, and keeping in mind that Gen Y is diverse and unequal, the research identified several distinctive dimensions that set Gen Y apart from previous generations in terms of their attitudes and behaviours. These are:

1. responsibility and choice;
2. relationships and balance in life; and
3. 'a space to be'.

The report identifies key areas of change across a wide range of areas of life, including education, work, family life, and leisure. It found that inequalities amongst young people remain a significant issue.

Contact: Johanna Wyn and Dan Woodman