WHY IS DISCONTENT GROWING AMONG YOUTH WORLDWIDE? MAHENDRA TIWARI

WHY IS DISCONTENT GROWING AMONG YOUTH WORLDWIDE? MAHENDRA TIWARI

2-NOV-ENG 9

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA---------------------------The world is changing rapidly. Unprecedented progress is being made in the fields of science, technology, education, and communication. Large-scale industries are being established, and claims of economic growth are being put forward. Despite this, the younger generation in many countries across the globe remains anxious about their future. A lack of employment, inflation, high housing costs, rising educational expenses, and economic insecurity have created serious challenges for young people. Consequently, their concerns are no longer limited to personal struggles; they have evolved into an international issue.

In recent times, youth-led protests in several European countries—including Germany and France—have brought this problem to global attention. Through these movements, young people have demanded better education, employment opportunities, affordable housing, and relief from the rising cost of living. These events clearly demonstrate that economic growth statistics do not always align with the actual living conditions of ordinary citizens.

According to a report published by the International Labour Organization in August 2026, the global youth unemployment rate rose to 12.4 percent in 2025, with approximately 67 million young people left unemployed. The report further indicates that securing employment has become increasingly difficult for youth in developed economies. In North America, the youth unemployment rate climbed from 8.3 percent in 2023 to 9.8 percent in 2025, while in Northern, Southern, and Western Europe, the rate hovered around 15 percent.

These figures signify more than just the inability of young people to find jobs; a major underlying issue is the quality of available employment. Many young people struggle to secure work that aligns with their qualifications. Some end up in temporary positions, while others are compelled to work for low wages. Even after securing a job, there is no guarantee that one’s income will remain stable or that the future will be secure.

When achieving financial independence proves difficult even after completing one’s education, it is natural for frustration to grow among young people.

Another major cause of financial concern for the youth is the rising cost of living. Expenses related to food, transportation, electricity, healthcare, and housing consistently strain their budgets. In large cities, in particular, high rental costs make it increasingly difficult for young people with lower incomes to live independently.

During recent protests in Europe, the issues of housing and the rising cost of living took center stage. When a large portion of a young person’s income is consumed solely by rent and essential goods, it becomes difficult to save money, start a family, or invest in their future.

This problem is not limited to Europe. In many developing countries, including India, young people in large cities also struggle to strike a balance between education, employment, and housing. The dream of financial independence remains unfulfilled when, despite having a regular income, meeting basic needs becomes a challenge.

On October 31, 2026, youth-led protests took place in 34 cities across Germany. Protesters demanded increased investment in education and healthcare, a reduction in the cost of living, and the abolition of mandatory military service. Most of the protests remained peaceful, though there were isolated incidents of violence and vandalism.

In France, too, young people and other social groups staged protests regarding the education system, public services, inflation, and employment issues. A common sentiment runs through these movements: young people feel that their concerns are not being taken seriously enough and that their needs are not given due importance when policies are being formulated.

These events should not be viewed merely as law-and-order issues. Peaceful protest is a legitimate means for individuals to express their views within a democracy. Governments must not only curb violence but also address the underlying economic and social factors that fuel discontent.

Artificial intelligence and automation have created new opportunities in the world of work, while simultaneously transforming the nature of certain traditional jobs. According to a report by the International Labour Organization, approximately 6.1 percent of jobs held by young people aged 15 to 29 are in sectors highly susceptible to changes driven by artificial intelligence.

This does not mean that all such jobs will disappear; rather, the nature of many roles may evolve, creating a growing demand for new skills. The challenge arises when education and training systems fail to adapt to these shifts in a timely manner.

Therefore, instead of focusing solely on awarding certificates, the emphasis should be on fostering practical knowledge, technical proficiency, creative thinking, and problem-solving abilities among the youth. Furthermore, opportunities for upskilling and acquiring new competencies must be made available to the existing workforce.

India’s young population represents one of the country’s greatest assets. However, to translate this potential into tangible strength, it is essential to provide sufficient and dignified employment opportunities. The aspirations of educated youth are rising; they seek economic independence, a secure future, and the chance to progress in line with their capabilities.

If economic growth is not accompanied by the creation of quality jobs, a persistent gap may remain between the expectations of the youth and the actual opportunities available. Issues such as a lack of employment prospects in rural areas, limited work opportunities for women, and the absence of social security in the informal sector further complicate this landscape. A lack of security also poses a serious challenge.

Governments should focus on industrial expansion, the promotion of small businesses, skill development, and employment-oriented education. Furthermore, young people should be provided with opportunities to express their views and participate in policy-related discussions.

Addressing the economic concerns of the youth requires a multifaceted approach. Governments must invest adequately in education, healthcare, housing, and social security, alongside job creation. Industries, too, should foster workplaces that offer fair wages, a safe environment, and opportunities for professional growth.

Additionally, regular dialogue with the youth is essential to understanding the challenges they face. It would be inappropriate to dismiss their grievances merely as signs of discontent or indiscipline. The strength of a democratic system lies in its ability to understand the aspirations of the new generation and incorporate them into policy.

The economic concerns of the youth represent a significant question for both society and governance. If serious attention is not paid today to their education, employment, and future security, it could impact social stability and economic progress in the years to come. Nations across the globe must recognize that young people are not merely future citizens, but active participants in the present. Transforming their dreams into opportunities is the true benchmark of inclusive development.