Authors
Abstract
Using UKHLS Youth Module data, we examined 16-year-olds’ future expectations with latent profile analysis. Most young people anticipated higher education, marriage, and children, while a “Career-Focused” group prioritised education and employment over family. The smallest group (~6%) held low expectations for study, work, and parenthood, and anticipated unemployment. Every £100 increase in equivalised weekly household income raised the odds of belonging to the most aspirational class by 5% versus the low-expectations group. Longitudinally, the lowexpectations group had lowest education, prolonged unemployment, and highest parenthood before 21. Understanding these distinct profiles provides insights to support adolescents transitioning to adulthood.
Subject
Link
https://www.iser.essex.ac.uk/research/publications/working-papers/iser/2025-04
Notes
Code: The analyses were not pre-registered, but all syntax and code have been made available online: https://www.understandingsociety.ac.uk/documentation/mainstage/syntax/user-deposited-syntax/future-expectations-amongst-young-people-united-kingdom/