High expectations – great uncertainty

Young people are growing up in a society which is characterised by technological, political and cultural change. They also need to face up to the challenges that are posed by an open and democratic society and by the increasing global interconnectedness of politics and the economy. Growing up is also shaped by both long-term and sudden crises. There is much to indicate that this has also led to an increase in requirements with regard to coping with age-specific development tasks – training, bonding, regeneration and participation. This article presents three key societal developments and discusses how these correlate with overcoming the age-specific development tasks.