The outlook for the second quarter of the 21st century, which begins in this year of 2026, is not at all reassuring: war and geopolitical tensions have returned to Europe, concern for the environment and the campaign against climate change seem to be losing momentum, and the French political scene has been mired in deadlock for more than a year and a half. In such a climate, it can feel difficult to view the future with optimism—especially for the younger generation, whose sense of unease is increasingly highlighted in the media. So how do French millennials view themselves and the great issues of our time?
The sociologist Monique Dagnaud has been studying this Generation Y for several years, most particularly the 25-39 age group. Drawing on a series of surveys, she outlines its main characteristics in this article, presenting a portrait of a highly critical generation with deep ecological concerns, a sense of downward social mobility and very different aspirations from previous generations, particularly in relation to work. This can all be summed up in a desire to see wide-ranging socio-economic change: a form of ‘re-set’. While the analysis focuses here mainly on the most highly educated segment of this cohort (those with master’s-level degrees and beyond), roughly one quarter of the group, it is worth noting that, in a context of steadily rising educational attainment—and assuming that this section of youth already occupies or is likely to occupy something akin to leadership positions in the country—understanding what drives them is essential and provides insight into the issues to be prioritized as part of a future political agenda.
The article is downloadable only in French. It is not available in English.
