The study sought to throw light on young people's attitudes to work and family life, now and in the future. The present is seen as a time full of freedoms, choice and opportunities. They want to live their lives fully now, but talk of settling down at some future time. They value having the time to travel, enjoy themselves and develop themselves. Many feel frustrated by the increasing length of time they have to spend in training and education before getting a real job and becoming financially independent.
Men say they hope to share family work.
Many women in all the countries are frustrated with what they see as the slow pace of change when it comes to home and family responsibilities. The prospect of settling down seems undesirable at present for many. Most think that someday they will want a settled life - a permanent relationship, a reasonably steady job, and children, eventually. Attitudes to work-family arrangements appear to be influenced both by family background and the national policy framework. In all the countries, young women have high labour market aspirations, but in countries with little childcare support, they are also sceptical about the feasibility of combining motherhood and employment.