The Millennial Generation

Abstract

This article puts to the test the notion that younger generations, most notably the Millennials, value work less than older generations do. The analysis, deploying a linear probability model, is based on Statistics Finland's Quality of Work Life Surveys, 1984 to 2013. Focusing on labour market entrants aged 15 to 29, we address two main themes: the value given to work, leisure and family life, and work commitment. Regardless of age, the value given to work has remained consistently high for the past three decades. At the same time, leisure and family life have gained increasing importance, not only among the Millennials but also among older generations. The Millennials are more prepared to change to a different occupational field than older employees, but this is not a new tendency, and therefore the generational gap remains unaffected. The evidence does not support the argument that the Millennials are less work-oriented than older generations.

An Approach to the Economic Socialization of University Students: The Origin, Uses and Meaning of Money

“…In contrast, Pyöriä, Ojala, Saari, and Järvinen (2017) Lewis and Scott (2000), finds that university students presently seem to have more tolerant attitudes toward debt and access to credit. This makes sense if we consider Karl Mannheim's ideas (cited by Pyöriä et al, 2017), who emphasizes that these are possible effects of a generation that, more than any other, has socialized in an uncertain and fluctuating economic and labour market.…”

“…This makes sense if we consider Karl Mannheim's ideas (cited by Pyöriä et al, 2017), who emphasizes that these are possible effects of a generation that, more than any other, has socialized in an uncertain and fluctuating economic and labour market. It is then highlighted how globalization has modified consumption patterns and ability to access goods and services, especially by young people, impacting their place in the socioeconomic order and, therefore, their identity (Denegri, Martínez, & Etchebarne, 2007).…”

Reflecting on Work Values with Young Unemployed Adults in Finland

“…A common hypothesis in the research on work values and work orientation has been that young adults do not value paid work as much as older generations due to their insecure position in the labor market or their post-materialist values (see Hult & Svallfors 2002;Hagström & Gamberale 2003;Pyöriä et al 2017). However, evidence suggests most young unemployed adults do value work and want to work full-time (e.g., Hult & Svallfors 2002).…”

“…However, evidence suggests most young unemployed adults do value work and want to work full-time (e.g., Hult & Svallfors 2002). In Finland, work orientation has remained stable and is nearly as strong for the young as it is for older generations, despite the increasing value placed on leisure time (Pyöriä et al 2017). Having paid work is as important to the long-term unemployed, as it is both to young adults in employment and those in a precarious situation both in Finland and in other European countries (e.g., Pyöriä et al 2017;Bergqvist & Eriksson 2015).…”

“…Previous research on work values and work orientation has shown how much young individuals value work (e.g., Bergqvist & Eriksson 2015;Pyöriä et al 2017) and what the generational differences are toward work (e.g., Twenge et al 2010). However, the descriptive quantitative studies omit the focus on the interplay between personal concerns and structural conditions.…”