Youths' outlook on the future: A past-present comparison

Area of Science:

• Social Psychology
• Attitudes and Values Research
• Generational Studies

Background:

• Replication of Gillespie and Allport's (1955) study on youth attitudes and values.
• Comparison of historical youth data with a contemporary sample of university students.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare attitudes and values of youth from 20 years ago with a present-day sample.
• To investigate shifts in conservatism, traditionalism, and future orientation.
• To examine differences between student activists and nonactivists.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the original 'Youth's Outlook on the Future' questionnaire items.
• Administered additional measures: Locus of Control, Dogmatism, and Conservatism scales.
• Sampled 320 undergraduates at The University of Texas at Austin.

Main Results:

• Significant differences observed between historical and present-day samples.
• A trend towards decreased conservatism and traditionalism from past to present, and from nonactivists to activists.
• Within the present sample, activists showed greater present-orientation, while nonactivists focused on future success and prestige.

Conclusions:

• Contemporary youth exhibit less conservative and traditional attitudes compared to previous generations.
• Activism correlates with a present-day focus, whereas non-activism is linked to future-oriented goals.
• The study highlights evolving youth values and the impact of activism on outlook.