How Kazakh Youth Sees the Future?
Participants in focus groups were positioned in a "mapped space". Nine symbols have to be used to symbolize the future: a sport, an animal, a profession, an economic sector, a building, music, a tree, a color, and a state emblem. The findings indicate that professionalism, education, and advanced technology are the three main concepts in understanding the future for young people. Young people clearly understand the importance of education, particularly in light of the advancements in artificial intelligence and digitalization. Important societal issues including emigration, corruption, and responsibility were also recognized by young people. We conceived the future visions created by youth using the discourse analysis method, which helped better understand how youth perceive social change and develop expectations.
According to the study, Kazakhstan must consider a number of significant trends while developing its long-term plans. The first is a significant increase in the number of young people throughout the following twenty years. Second, a reevaluation of values is necessary due to global shifts, where professionalism and high standards of work become crucial principles. Furthermore, the growth of mental stability and emotional intelligence will enable youth to adjust to shifts in the job market and remain prepared for lifelong learning. The study's findings emphasize how important it is to incorporate adolescent perspectives into strategic planning and public policy.