Demographic changes, such as ageing populations, migration flows and evolving family structures, are profoundly reshaping the social fabric. The fact that there will be far fewer young people in the future than there are today will influence expenditure plans and governmental priorities. Moreover, there is a noticeable increase in youths taking on caregiving responsibilities for elderly family members and siblings. Significant intergenerational divides – in spheres such as political influence, value systems and analogue skill levels – are intensifying, underscoring the importance of efforts to bridge these gaps.
As residential areas become more age-specific, the divide between young and older generations deepens. Housing developments continue to separate demographics, leading to ‘youth villages’ and ‘senior towns’. Younger people are increasingly drawn to urban settings for opportunities, while older populations dominate rural areas, enhancing the urban-rural divide. Intergenerational understanding and cooperation fade as each group becomes an echo chamber of their age-specific concerns and values. As the electoral influence of youths decreases, political parties may begin to cater exclusively to age-specific demographics, with policies that solely benefit one generation over another. Consequently, the generation gap could become institutionalised in the political system, causing a lack of coherent policy that considers the full span of generational needs. Younger generations may face economic disadvantages due to policies and systems designed by and for the older majority. This could result in diminished prospects for youths, widening the wealth and opportunity gap.
In 100 years, there will be 94% fewer young people. If a society will progress to become dominant with older people, not only will young people carry the (financial) burden, but they also could be less likely to be taken into consideration when it comes to politics.
(SSP027)
Economic trends and housing crises will continue to make it harder for young people to leave their parental homes. This may force a rethinking of the current goals for adulthood and independence and lead to intergenerational living becoming the norm for large proportions of the population. Relatedly, limited access to elderly care could result in more young people taking on caregiving responsibilities for their parents, with consequences for family planning reinforcing the ageing society. At the same time, effective collaboration across generations is seen as mutually beneficial, highlighting how younger people can help older adults adapt to new ideas and approaches, while elders provide vital wisdom and context from their experiences. Youth work could play a crucial role in facilitating these cross-generational knowledge exchanges.
Because of a shortage of affordable housing, Dutch youth live at home longer into their adult life. This must have some effect on forming their own identities.
(SPP022)
These societal shifts could fundamentally reshape the identity and purpose of youth work itself, envisioning it evolving into a more intergenerational ‘community work’ model that blends with adult education approaches, as shrinking youth populations make justifying youth-exclusive programming difficult. This transition could spark an ‘identity crisis’ for youth workers who must redefine themselves and their target demographics. Yet it also presents an opportunity to engage holistically with communities across age groups under a broadened mandate.
Part of the youth work sector will sail away to cater for the needs of the elderly, especially within the non-formal education.
(SSP077)
Climate-induced migration is already becoming a pressing issue that may result in an increasing population influx into Europe, to which youth work must be prepared to respond through integration efforts, advocacy for human rights and expressing solidarity with climate refugees. However, this raises deeper existential questions about humanity’s place among other species and moving beyond human-centric worldviews. Facing these challenges will require the public to take on an ethical commitment to global, intergenerational and interspecies solidarity.
Climate emergency is a reality as a result of the unsustainable development model of the enriched nations of the global north. In a less distant future than we think, migration due to climate change will affect the young population with whom we work. We will have to take these new social realities into account when designing our youth policies.
(SSP079)
The role of youth work is multifaceted and crucial in shaping a harmonious society. It involves facilitating knowledge transfer programmes that capture the wisdom of older generations, thereby preserving valuable traditions and insights. This role also includes fostering intergenerational bonding through cultural sharing, oral histories and creative pursuits, which are vital for strengthening community ties.
Additionally, youth work involves developing culturally sensitive programmes specifically tailored to meet the needs of migrant groups. This is complemented by training youth workers in conflict resolution and anti-bias competencies, equipping them to effectively handle social tensions. Another key aspect is creating youth networks that celebrate diversity and actively campaign against xenophobia, promoting a more inclusive society.
Further extending its scope, youth work facilitates intercultural learning, enhancing the understanding and appreciation of different cultures within the community. In terms of community integration initiatives, organisations could develop programmes that bring various age groups together, promoting shared spaces and intergenerational learning. This not only bridges the gap between different generations but also fosters a shared sense of community.
Political education programmes also play a crucial role, as there is a growing need to focus on political education that includes a broad range of generational perspectives. This fosters a more comprehensive understanding of societal issues, preparing young individuals to participate more actively in political processes.
In the realm of housing, youth workers might become advocates for inclusive housing policies that encourage diverse age groups to live in integrated communities. This advocacy is essential in promoting diverse and inclusive living environments
Social cohesion projects are pivotal as they address the intergenerational divide and promote unity. These projects can become a cornerstone of youth work, combating the isolation that arises from age segregation and fostering a more connected community.
Lastly, creating economic opportunities that are accessible to young people is another critical area. This ensures that they are not left behind in an age-segregated economy. Additionally, youth workers may serve as mediators, facilitating dialogues across generations to address misconceptions and build empathy, which is essential for societal harmony and mutual understanding.
OPTION 2 – more simpler
Intergenerational transformations
Scenario: Segregation and political polarisation by age
As residential areas become more age-specific, the divide between young and older generations deepens. Housing developments continue to separate demographics, leading to ‘youth villages’ and ‘senior towns’. Younger people are increasingly drawn to urban settings for opportunities, while older populations dominate rural areas, enhancing the urban-rural divide. Intergenerational understanding and cooperation fade as each group becomes an echo chamber of their age-specific concerns and values. As the electoral influence of youths decreases, political parties may begin to cater exclusively to age-specific demographics, with policies that solely benefit one generation over another. Consequently, the generation gap could become institutionalised in the political system, causing a lack of coherent policy that considers the full span of generational needs. Younger generations may face economic disadvantages due to policies and systems designed by and for the older majority. This could result in diminished prospects for youths, widening the wealth and opportunity gap.
In 100 years, there will be 94% fewer young people. If a society will progress to become dominant with older people, not only will young people carry the (financial) burden, but they also could be less likely to be taken into consideration when it comes to politics.
(SSP027)
Scenario: Intergenerational bonds
Economic trends and housing crises will continue to make it harder for young people to leave their parental homes. This may force a rethinking of the current goals for adulthood and independence and lead to intergenerational living becoming the norm for large proportions of the population. Relatedly, limited access to elderly care could result in more young people taking on caregiving responsibilities for their parents, with consequences for family planning reinforcing the ageing society. At the same time, effective collaboration across generations is seen as mutually beneficial, highlighting how younger people can help older adults adapt to new ideas and approaches, while elders provide vital wisdom and context from their experiences. Youth work could play a crucial role in facilitating these cross-generational knowledge exchanges.
Because of a shortage of affordable housing, Dutch youth live at home longer into their adult life. This must have some effect on forming their own identities.
(SPP022)
Shifting perspectives
Scenario: Youth work, elderly work or community work?
These societal shifts could fundamentally reshape the identity and purpose of youth work itself, envisioning it evolving into a more intergenerational ‘community work’ model that blends with adult education approaches, as shrinking youth populations make justifying youth-exclusive programming difficult. This transition could spark an ‘identity crisis’ for youth workers who must redefine themselves and their target demographics. Yet it also presents an opportunity to engage holistically with communities across age groups under a broadened mandate.
Part of the youth work sector will sail away to cater for the needs of the elderly, especially within the non-formal education.
(SSP077)
Scenario: Solidarity for the Anthropocene
Climate-induced migration is already becoming a pressing issue that may result in an increasing population influx into Europe, to which youth work must be prepared to respond through integration efforts, advocacy for human rights and expressing solidarity with climate refugees. However, this raises deeper existential questions about humanity’s place among other species and moving beyond human-centric worldviews. Facing these challenges will require the public to take on an ethical commitment to global, intergenerational and interspecies solidarity.
Climate emergency is a reality as a result of the unsustainable development model of the enriched nations of the global north. In a less distant future than we think, migration due to climate change will affect the young population with whom we work. We will have to take these new social realities into account when designing our youth policies.
(SSP079)
The role of youth work is multifaceted and crucial in shaping a harmonious society. It involves facilitating knowledge transfer programmes that capture the wisdom of older generations, thereby preserving valuable traditions and insights. This role also includes fostering intergenerational bonding through cultural sharing, oral histories and creative pursuits, which are vital for strengthening community ties.
Additionally, youth work involves developing culturally sensitive programmes specifically tailored to meet the needs of migrant groups. This is complemented by training youth workers in conflict resolution and anti-bias competencies, equipping them to effectively handle social tensions. Another key aspect is creating youth networks that celebrate diversity and actively campaign against xenophobia, promoting a more inclusive society.
Further extending its scope, youth work facilitates intercultural learning, enhancing the understanding and appreciation of different cultures within the community. In terms of community integration initiatives, organisations could develop programmes that bring various age groups together, promoting shared spaces and intergenerational learning. This not only bridges the gap between different generations but also fosters a shared sense of community.
Political education programmes also play a crucial role, as there is a growing need to focus on political education that includes a broad range of generational perspectives. This fosters a more comprehensive understanding of societal issues, preparing young individuals to participate more actively in political processes.
In the realm of housing, youth workers might become advocates for inclusive housing policies that encourage diverse age groups to live in integrated communities. This advocacy is essential in promoting diverse and inclusive living environments
Social cohesion projects are pivotal as they address the intergenerational divide and promote unity. These projects can become a cornerstone of youth work, combating the isolation that arises from age segregation and fostering a more connected community.
Lastly, creating economic opportunities that are accessible to young people is another critical area. This ensures that they are not left behind in an age-segregated economy. Additionally, youth workers may serve as mediators, facilitating dialogues across generations to address misconceptions and build empathy, which is essential for societal harmony and mutual understanding.