Rapid rise in symbolic consumption among young people, yet extremely limited possibilities for increasing material consumption

One tension that affects all age groups, and young people in particular, is the increasing discrepancy between symbolic and material consumption. Young people's access to the former (symbols, messages, images, information and knowledge) has boomed in recent decades thanks to extended school coverage and, above all, increased audiovisual consumption and connection to virtual networks. On the other hand, family poverty, difficulties in entering the labour market and the prevalence of low–productivity, low–income employment seriously restrict young people’s access to material goods and autonomy.

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Gender Equality

Reduced Inequalities

Sustainable Cities and Communities