RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Pessimism seems to have taken root in Argentina’s youth. At least, that is what emerges from a survey conducted by the Universidad Argentina de la Empresa (UADE) and the consulting firm Voices! “to understand opinions, habits, attitudes, and perceptions of Argentines regarding the labor system in the country and their jobs.”
The survey included more than 1,300 participants over the age of 16. In general, more than half would prefer to live in another country, the study says. The percentage, however, grows when taking into account only the data from respondents between the ages of 16 and 24. Of these, 70 percent expressed a preference to live outside Argentina.
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The economic prospects of the country, as well as the opportunities for professional development, are the main reasons mentioned by those who responded that they would prefer to live outside Argentina.
PERCEPTION OF STAGNATION
Among Argentines surveyed between the ages of 16 and 24, “there is a perception of stagnation,” said the document’s authors. Fifty-five percent say that the standard of living would be the same as that achieved by their parents.
The United States, Spain, and Italy are the leading countries to which respondents said they would prefer to emigrate.
Solange Finkelsztein, the Research Coordinator at UADE, pointed out that “The economic situation and the lack of progress are the main concerns of Argentines regarding their future.”
It is alarming that half of Argentines are willing to emigrate, which grows to 70% among the youngest. More than half of Argentines have a pessimistic view of the country’s future in terms of employment, security, and the economy, a situation that is even worse when it comes to poverty: 2 out of 3 believe that poverty will worsen in the next ten years.
Constanza Cilley, Executive Director of Voices!, said that “the study reveals a very worrying aspect of Argentine society and that is a lack of optimism towards the future. This aspect is deeply rooted in society, especially in young people who do not see opportunities for personal development and possibilities for progress. Most young people would like to live in another country, which poses a failure and a challenge for us as a society.”