Representations on the future fields of activity of modern youth

Abstract

This article analyzes and describes the results of research on representations on the future fields of activity of modern youth. A total of 1,538 respondents aged 14 to 28 years participated in the research. They were asked to name five main activities that expect to be engaged in five years from now. The goal of this work lies in studying the gender and institutional differences in perception of the future types of activity among youth. The article examines the topic of development in adolescence as a transitional period between childhood and adulthood. The transition of adolescence is determined by comparison of the development type with the leading field of activity. It is demonstrated that selection of the type of activity associated with arrangement of personal life or professional activity, young individuals limit their future to a single sphere. Gender peculiarities in representations of future career of young ladies are associated with the arrangement of their personal life, while of young men – with entertainment and health. The students of vocational secondary education associate their future with work and family, as well as games and entertainment, while for the university students, this niche is taken by creativity and traveling.