Hope As a Generational Divide

In this presentation, we aim to offer empirical insights into the contributions of the sociology of hope for a better understanding of contemporary generational dynamics. We will demonstrate how hope—both individual and collective—has become a significant dividing factor in the trajectories of young adults worldwide, positioning it as a key concept for future comparative research on younger generations. Drawing on a comparative study of young people facing crises in various parts of the world (Montreal, Santiago de Chile, Madrid, Paris, Hong Kong), we will highlight that, despite shared generational dynamics, societal structures continue to strongly influence the experience of becoming an adult. To understand these global differences in the destinies of young generations, we must account for the varying capacities of societies to foster both individual and collective hope. Through diverse examples, we will explore how contemporary experiences of adulthood are shaped by different attitudes towards the future, which vary across societies. Ultimately, we will discuss how the sociology of hope can bridge with youth studies and the sociology of global generations.