Young Irish people are more likely to sky-dive or bungee jump in the next five years than marry, according to an attitude survey published today.
The DECODE survey conducted by Amárach Consulting is designed to track changing social and political values among 18-to-24-year-olds. The latest survey finds a growing apathy towards politics and a growing interest with material success.
"The emphasis is very much on material gains such as owning a car and a credit card. Travel will also be a major factor in their lives," said Ms Liz McKeever, deputy managing director at Amárach Consulting.
When asked what they were likely to do in the next five years, 21 per cent thought they were likely to be married and 31 per cent said they already had or expected to bungee jump. Over 40 per cent expect to work abroad over the next five years.
"Settling down and having children is something that most will not be interested in for some time. This means that their discretionary spending power is likely to remain high," she said.
Traffic problems are unlikely to alleviated with this new generation. Already one in four owns a car and 53 per cent expect to have one in five years.
Ireland’s 18-24-year-olds are primarily concerned with having enough money to do the things they want to do. Employment prospects (to pay for their material expectations) are also a key concern.
One-third said they were concerned about violence and their personal safety – this was particularly evident among young females. House prices and rental costs was more of an issue for those living in Dublin than elsewhere.
This research was commissioned by the Decode consortium, which includes Irish International OMD, TV3, 98FM, the Star, and Clear Channel.