Youth's Value System – a Pathway for Pedagogical Science and Educational Practice

Youth's value system is an important component of personal and societal development. Researching this field contributes to pedagogical science in assessing the successfulness of educational efforts and in a curricular reconsideration of consolidating societal orientations and youth’s individual interests and needs. The aim of this research was to examine the socioeconomic status and value system of youth in a time of crisis. The sample comprises of 157 respondents of different educational and qualification levels. Research results indicate that the economic crisis is accompanied by a social crisis, high levels of unemployment, predominantly low financial status and fear for the future. Only one third of examined youth has hopes in terms of overcoming the crisis, consolidation and modernization, and the rest expect stagnation, radicalisation and regression. Despite high levels of unemployment, unstable economy, and discouraged youth who do not have faith in the future, the examined values’ ranks of significance and acceptance are at a reassuringly high level. Research results indicate the need for systematic planning and generating contents and activities within the school curriculum for developing values and empowering youth for the future.