A new study by the education portal PGL Beyond found that traditional life goals like marriage and hold little value for Generation Alpha.
Generation Alpha (Gen Alpha) refers to people born between 2010 and 2025, mostly to millennials (born 1981–1996).
The survey, which covered roughly 700 aged 13–16, focused on the life ambitions of kids raised in the digital era. The results showed only half of respondents consider marriage important to them. Meanwhile, 56 percent said they want to have children, the Daily Mail reported.
Respondents said their priorities for adult life are:
- full financial independence
- buying a decent home
- career advancement
- building a circle of close friends
Half of the participants said they feel ready for adult life.
The study comes against a backdrop of a steady decline in marriages and a sharp fall in birth rates not only in the United Kingdom but around the world. Some experts say the shift away from family-oriented goals has reached a “tipping point” in society.
Dr. John Allan, head of advanced learning methods at PGL Beyond, said: “Members of Generation Alpha who are approaching adulthood have a clear idea of what they want from their future.”
However, the researcher said many of these teens “do not feel prepared for what comes next, especially when it comes to confidence, independence and the practical skills needed for life after school.”
Analysts warn falling marriage and birth rates could have big consequences
The share of young couples getting married has fallen by almost a third since the 1960s.
Experts at the charity Marriage Foundation, which was set up in response to epidemic levels of family breakdown, made that point.
They predict fewer than six in 10 people born between 1997 and 2012 will ever marry. About 58 percent of women and 56 percent of men in Generation Z are expected to take that step in their lives.
By comparison, 67 percent of millennials married, 82 percent of Generation X (born 1965–1980) married, and 96 percent of baby boomers (1946–1964) married.
Researchers say the trend away from marriage will have serious consequences for social stability. Falling birth rates could also lead to higher taxes.
Photo: Unsplash
