- Introduction: Generation gap and young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina today face numerous challenges, and it is often forgotten that these problems are shaped by specific social, economic and technological circumstances that have defined each generation. Each generation carries with it a legacy of experiences and conditions in which it grew up, and these factors played a key role in shaping the values, attitudes and expectations of individuals. In order to understand the challenges that young people face today, it is important to be aware of how they fit into the wider generational context.
In America, different generations, such as the “Silent Generation”, “Baby Boomers”, “Generation X”, “Millennials” and “Generation Z”, went through specific experiences and socioeconomic conditions, which defined their attitudes towards work, family , education and technology. The same principles apply to young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where generations have been shaped by events such as the war in the 1990s, the transition to a market economy, migration and accelerated technological changes.
Today’s generation of young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which mainly consists of millennials and members of generation Z, faces challenges that are deeply rooted in the legacy of past generations, but also in the specific circumstances of our society. Millennials, for example, experienced the economic consequences of the global financial crisis and grew up in a time of great changes in education and the labor market. On the other hand, Generation Z, or “zoomers”, is completely digitally connected, having grown up in a world where the Internet, smartphones and social networks are integral parts of their lives. These technologies have given them unlimited access to information, but they have also confronted them with global problems such as climate change and political instability.
One of the prominent problems that young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina face today is the question of how to fit into a rapidly changing society, but which is also burdened by the legacy of past generations. Technological changes have shaped Generation Z and Millennials in a way that is significantly different from the generations before them. For example, while for older generations, security came through stable careers and linear progress in work, young people today are looking for flexibility, a balance between private and business life, and meaningful work. They witness enormous economic insecurity, so many prefer free professions and entrepreneurial ventures, instead of traditional forms of employment.
However, young people in BiH also face special challenges that are specific to our society. Inadequate job offer, inadequate education system and bureaucratic barriers often discourage them and encourage them to think about leaving the country. Many face conditions like those in job applications that require “two years of work experience” even for entry-level positions, leaving them in a vicious circle with no way out. Generation Z and Millennials, who grew up with access to the Internet and opportunities provided by the global marketplace, often see emigration as the only viable solution for economic advancement.
Considering all of the above, a very important question arises: How can Generation Z and Millennials find their place in a society that is changing so quickly? And how can we help them feel empowered and motivated, so that they not only stay in BiH, but also become active participants in shaping the future in their own country?
The answers to these questions lie not only in changes in educational or economic policies, but also in understanding the deeper psychological needs of young people. According to Jean M. Twenge’s book Generations: The Real Differences Between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers, and Silents , each generation has specific motivational factors that shape their goals and behaviors. For young people in BiH, it is necessary to recognize these needs – status, autonomy and respect – and create an environment that allows them to feel valued and to be able to build their future within the borders of their country.
- Challenges of different generations: What shaped the present?
Differences between generations have always been present, but in today’s rapidly changing world, they have become more pronounced than ever before. Every generation, from baby boomers to Gen Z, brings with them specific experiences that have shaped their values, expectations and the way they perceive the world. The social, economic and technological contexts in which these generations grew up have a decisive influence on their behavior and attitudes, as the book we mentioned earlier points out.
Baby Boomers (1946–1964): A Generation of Prosperity and Traditional Values
Baby boomers, who grew up in the post-World War II period, witnessed an economic boom, industrial growth, and social change. Their youth was characterized by stable jobs, opportunities for advancement and prosperity, which created a strong sense of loyalty to traditional values - family, work and stability. This generation also witnessed major social movements, such as the struggle for civil rights, and played a significant role in shaping the culture of protest and social change.
For baby boomers, technology was not a dominant factor in everyday life. Traditional forms of communication, such as letters and phone calls, and face-to-face interactions, defined their connection with others. They had time to build long-term relationships, and changes were relatively slower. But as the elderly became witnesses to the digital revolution, many faced the challenges of adapting to the rapid technological development.
Generation X (1965–1980): Skeptical and independent generation
Generation X, often referred to as the “forgotten generation,” grew up in a time when many of the social and economic foundations that baby boomers took for granted began to crumble. This generation has witnessed rising divorce rates, economic recession and the transition to digital technology. As “latchkey” children, many Gen Xers had to learn to be independent and independent at an early age, as they were often home alone while their parents worked. This independence and pragmatism became their key characteristics.
Unlike the baby boomers, Generation X had the opportunity to feel the first steps of digitization, but they still relied on traditional forms of communication, such as television, radio and newspapers. They witnessed the beginning of the Internet, but did not grow up completely surrounded by it. Technology began to shape their professional and private lives, and the transition to a fully digital society was just beginning.
Millennials (1981–1996): Digital natives facing uncertainty
Millennials, or Generation Y, are the first generation to grow up with the Internet, cell phones, and social networks. Their youth was marked by technological innovations that changed the way they communicate, learn and work. Unlike previous generations, millennials adopted digital literacy at an early age, which gave them easier access to information and global markets.
Millennials also face challenges that previous generations didn’t have to go through. The economic crisis of 2008. it hit this generation hard, which is why many of them had problems finding stable jobs and achieving financial security in our region as well. Many of them have postponed traditional life goals such as buying a house or starting a family due to these circumstances.
Technology has shaped their way of life and work – social networks, applications and global connectivity have become an integral part of their daily activities. Despite access to information and technology, millennials often feel that the global economy is unfavorable to them and that traditional opportunities for advancement have been denied to them.
Generation Z (1997–2012): The digital world in full swing
Generation Z is the first generation to grow up in a fully digital world, where smartphones, social media and apps were available from their earliest years. They are “digital natives” in the true sense of the word – most of them do not know what the world was like before the Internet. This generation is the most technologically connected, but at the same time the most affected by problems such as digital anxiety and exhaustion due to constant online presence.
For Generation Z, the speed of information is a crucial factor that shapes their daily lives. They expect immediate responses, solutions and interactions, which often creates frustration when faced with slower, traditional processes, whether in the education system, recruitment or administration. Their need for quick and effective solutions is often in conflict with the bureaucratic structures that are still present in our society.
Generation Z is also confronted with global issues such as climate change, social injustice and economic insecurity, which is why they are often described as pragmatic, but also cynical. Their connection to technology has given them access to unlimited information, but it has also made them more critical of traditional structures of power and authority.
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, where many traditional structures are still difficult to change, young people face problems that often arise from the generation gap. While older generations prefer stability and caution, young people seek flexibility, innovation and opportunities that keep up with the speed of global change. Faced with bureaucratic barriers and economic insecurity, many young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina are looking for solutions outside the borders of their country, which is a consequence of the inability to harmonize their needs with the current social systems. Understanding these generational differences is important for creating opportunities that will allow young people to feel recognized and valued in a society that, although changing slowly, must respond to the speed of modern life.
- Young people in BiH today: What do they want and how do they think?
Although the high rate of youth unemployment in Bosnia and Herzegovina is often discussed, the reality is that a large number of young people are no longer part of the statistics, because they left the country in search of better opportunities. Those who remained face different problems – they still find it difficult to find stable jobs, but not because of a lack of jobs, but because of the many obstacles that stand between them and employment. These barriers include the need for formal work experience, apprenticeships that are not offered to them, and a range of informal or low-paid jobs that do not fulfill their ambitions or provide them with security.
Young people today want more than just employment – they are looking for opportunities that will allow them to realize their talents and ideas, to progress and to feel valued. However, bureaucratic and formal obstacles often prevent them from progressing. Many vacancies require previous work experience that young people do not have the opportunity to acquire, or volunteer and internship positions that are not adequately paid, forcing them to seek insecure and irregular jobs. These conditions not only reduce their motivation, but also reduce their chances for long-term professional development.
In addition, many young people face offers of undeclared work, which means they have no security or rights to social benefits. On the other hand, those who receive formal contracts are often underpaid and underqualified. All this contributes to a general feeling of frustration and insecurity among young people, who are increasingly turning to leaving the country in search of more stable, safer and better-paid opportunities abroad. The legal irregularity of self-employment in the form of freelancing is also a challenge for them.
However, their demands and ambitions are not focused exclusively on employment. Young people want a sense of autonomy, status and respect in society, which includes more than just employment. They want society to recognize them as active participants in the decision-making process, whether in politics, business or the civil sector. They want opportunities to work on projects that are meaningful and allow them to make their mark on society.
The question of employment is therefore not only a question of economics, but also of social position. Many young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina feel that they are not recognized and appreciated for what they can contribute, whether it is innovation, business ideas or social engagement. Therefore, it is not surprising that many feel isolated and demotivated, even though they are ready to work and take responsibility for their professional development. They want the opportunity to gain experience without the need to have previous experience, they want a fair chance to demonstrate their abilities, without bureaucratic obstacles that exclude them from the game. Only by ensuring equal opportunities, fair work opportunities and recognition of their potential, young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina can be motivated to stay, work and contribute to the development of the country.
- The role of motivation: How can generational approaches help?
Understanding the motivational factors that shape different generations is important for creating successful employment strategies and social inclusion of young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Generation Z and millennials, who make up the majority of young people in BiH, have specific needs when it comes to motivation. They do not respond to traditional methods that may have been effective for older generations, such as fear of failure or passive campaigns for employment and social participation. Instead, they seek autonomy, status, and a sense of respect—factors that are key to staying in the country and taking an active role in society.
Members of older generations, such as baby boomers and Generation X, were motivated by security, stable jobs and long-term careers. These generations built their lives and careers in conditions where stability and continuous progress were crucial factors for success. Traditional working relationships, clearly defined hierarchies and fixed working hours offered them a sense of security and career advancement.
However, Millennials and Generation Z have grown up in an environment that is completely different. Technological progress, digital transformation and globalization have shaped their needs and expectations. They have been exposed to unlimited information and possibilities since childhood, which is why they seek flexibility, creativity and opportunities to express themselves independently. Their motivation comes from the feeling that the contribution they make has a purpose and that their work is recognized.
One of the main factors influencing their motivation is autonomy. Young people today want to feel that they have control over their own lives and careers, and that they can make decisions that are in line with their values and goals. This is in direct contrast to the rigid structures that colored previous generations, where traditional forms of authority dominated. For young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina, this means that employers, institutions and society should offer more freedom in shaping their work and social roles, enabling them to take more responsibility for their own progress.
Another key factor is a sense of status and recognition. Generation Z and Millennials want their work to be recognized and appreciated, whether it’s their contribution in the work environment or in social initiatives. They do not want to be just a link in the chain, but are looking for an opportunity to highlight their skills and for their creativity and innovation to be rewarded. In BiH, this is often a challenge because traditional work and employment systems do not provide enough opportunities for young people to stand out, which contributes to their feeling of dissatisfaction and marginalization.
Respect is the third important element of motivation for young people today. They want to be treated as equal members of society and business communities, not as passive recipients of decisions made by older generations. Many young people feel excluded from the decision-making process. The feeling that their voice is not important further reduces the motivation to stay and actively participate in society. The introduction of participatory methods, which are enabled by the laws on youth, is an extremely necessary step towards their empowerment.
Employers, institutions and decision-makers in Bosnia and Herzegovina should create work environments and social opportunities that motivate young people. Instead of passive campaigns that often do not touch their real needs, strategies that include autonomy, recognition of skills and empowerment through participation can help young people in BiH become active agents of social change.
Author of the text: Jasmin Bešić, general director of the Institute for Youth Development KULT
Source: mladi.org
