Those days are gone when issues such as climate and equality were prioritized by young people. Since 2019, the climate issue has plummeted from being at the top among 51 percent of young women and 34 percent of young men, to 15 and 13 percent, respectively. The commitment to equality has more than halved among both sexes since 2017.
When young Swedes between 15 and 29 years now respond to which social issues they think are most important, instead, healthcare, school and education as well as crime and personal safety are found at the top.
Seeking stability
Analyst Sofia Rasmussen, from Rasmussen Analysis, which together with the Ungt Ledarskap foundation has conducted the survey, sees a clear connection to the fact that young people have grown up with an uncertain world around them.
One cannot ignore the impact of the current time on this generation, she says, referring to the pandemic, war in the immediate area, and economic instability that has affected young people's upbringing.
Large parts of the survey's results are recognizable from similar reports made in recent years – especially in issues related to working life. The dream profession is entrepreneur, followed by police officer and doctor. A high salary is considered more important than a pleasant work environment, and high demands are placed on those who will lead today's youth.
Increased faith in the future
It's very much about putting questions into context, explaining why, having clear expectations. This is not a generation that agrees to things being vague, and not having a job description, says Ida Hennerdal, head of operations at Ungt Ledarskap.
Despite concerns in the world around them, faith in the future is starting to increase somewhat, especially among young people who are engaged and feel they have a good understanding of their surroundings. 61 percent of them look positively at the future, compared to 34 percent among those without engagement.
Sophie Tanha/TT
Facts: Youth Focus 2025
TT
Just over 1,000 young people in Sweden, and almost 300 from other age groups, have responded to the survey through an online panel.
Respondents are recruited from the panel until the desired number of responses is reached, which means that it is not possible to report response frequency or dropout.
Youth Focus has been conducted annually for ten years.
Source: Rasmussen Analysis
