European Youth in Urban Contexts: A Lost Generation?

Abstract

This paper has three parts: First, I will sketch in broad strokes the major issues that characterize European societies. Second, I will assess recent surveys reflecting European values and worldview. It is difficult to evaluate the European worldview because of the heightened pluralism and diversity. Europe is made up of many nations and ethnic groups, with different economic development levels, religious backgrounds, and philosophic perspectives. Median or average figures will no doubt obscure certain events and the context of social, economic, or religious changes in each European country; however, certain trends can be noticed even from combined statistics across Europe. The main source of data comes from the Eurobarometer, the official European Union survey organism of public opinion. The third part of the paper will summarize a series of documents published by the European Commission, entitled Futurium, which describes the future trends and goals of European societies envisioned by specialists in different areas. Finally, I will reflect on the impact such values and contexts and how they may impact the worldview of young European urbanites. My hope is that this analysis will indicate areas where ministers and missionaries could build their strategies.