Independence Generation
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Like many post-Soviet states, the South Caucasus countries are still in transition. Armenia, the smallest republic in the region, is still trying to find its way between Europe and Russia and the values, integration models, and security factors related to it. The transformation into a democratic society and a free market economy is far from being completed. In addition, the country is challenged by the lasting conflicts with Turkey and Azerbaijan, which cause isolation as well as a «neither peace, nor war» environment. The study at hand explores the worries, aspirations, values, and lifestyles of Armenia’s youth. Young people who are today aged between 14 and 29 years grew up after the dissolution of the Soviet Union and in independent Armenia—«the generation of inde- pendence». They are an important indicator for the relationship to the Soviet legacy on the one hand, and the future development of their society on the other hand. Independence Generation INDEPENDENCE GENERATION Youth Study 2016 – Armenia ISBN 978-9939-1-0484-3 Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung INDEPENDENCE GENERATION Youth Study 2016 – Armenia Yerevan- 2016 UDC 316 Independence Generation Armenia 2016 Yerevan, 2016 Publishers Friedich-Ebert-Stiftung Moskovyan Str. 31.76/1, 0002 Yerevan For Publisher Julia Bläsius, FES Liana Badalyan, FES Authors Artur Mkrtichyan Harutyun Vermishyan Sona Balasanyan Design pertext, Berlin | www.pertext.de Typesetting Grigor Hakobyan | [email protected] Illustration Franziska Uhlig | www.franziskauhlig.de Translation & Proofreading Maronanik Haroutunian Inez Templeton Cover Picture Photolure | photolure.am Map of Armenia: Mdesignstudio (shutterstock.com) Print Tigran Mets printing house Print Run 200 pcs Isbn 978-9939-1-0484-3 Attitudes, opinions and conclusions expressed in this publication not necessarily express attitudes of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung. Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung does not vouch for the accuracy of the data stated in this publication. © Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, 2016 © YSU, Faculty of Sociology, 2016 FOREWORD Like many post-Soviet states, the South Caucasus countries are still in transi- tion. Armenia, the smallest republic in the region, is still trying to find its way between Europe and Russia and the values, integration models, and security factors related to it. The transformation into a democratic society and a free market economy is far from being completed. In addition, the country is chal- lenged by the lasting conflicts with Turkey and Azerbaijan, which cause isola- tion as well as a «neither peace, nor war» environment. The study at hand explores the worries, aspirations, values, and lifestyles of Armenia’s youth. Young people who are today aged between 14 and 29 years grew up after the dissolution of the Soviet Union and in independent Arme- nia—«the generation of independence». They are an important indicator for the relationship to the Soviet legacy on the one hand, and the future develop- ment of their society on the other hand. The research is based on a countrywide, representative survey that was con- ducted from February to March 2016 in Armenia, among young people aged between 14 and 29. It is orientated towards the Shell Youth Study, which has been periodically conducted in Germany since 1953 and has proved to be a val- uable indicator of the society’s mid-term development. The Friedrich-Ebert- Stiftung implemented a series of similar studies in Western Balkan countries as well as in Central Asia. This study is part of a series in Eastern Partnership Countries, together with the Georgian one the first being completed. All of the studies are designed to allow comparison between the countries. The results of the study draw an interesting picture of young people in Ar- menia by showing the challenges they have to deal with in terms of private, 3 Independence Generation economic, and political life. They are facing economic and political insecurity caused by an insufficient educational system, high unemployment, and auto- cratic political structures. This results in the retreat to privacy with a strong focus on family and friends and a high reluctance to get involved politically and/or socially. Nevertheless, most young people are optimistic about the fu- ture. The survey also reveals huge disparities between youth in the capital and rural areas as well as between female and male participants. Traditional role models and values prevail, so that these young people seem to reproduce traditional values and attitudes, despite being the generation of independence. Finally, the results also show that there is a group of young people—still a mi- nority—who believes in a more democratic and liberal society and is prepared to commit to this. Looking at recent developments in Armenia, this group is becoming bigger and more visible. Their motivation and success in some issues give hope that Armenian youth can finally become agents of change. This study is meant to be a starting point for deeper analysis and political discussions. It is targeted to decision-makers, academics, as well as NGOs and youth organisations in Armenia and abroad. By indicating concerns, aspira- tions, and lifestyles it gives young people a voice. Moreover, the study aims to fuel a debate on how to tackle challenges youth are struggling with, in order to keep this rich potential for the country’s development. To close, I would like to express my deep gratitude to Yerevan State Univer- sity, which has been a reliant and very professional partner in this project—in particular, Artur Mkrtichyan, Harutyun Vermischyan, and Sona Balasanyan. I am also very grateful to Klaus Hurrelmann of the Hertie School of Govern- ance for his valuable advice, to all the Armenian experts that were involved as consultants, and—last but not least—to the FES Armenia team, especially the responsible project coordinator, Liana Badalyan, for her hard and excel- lent work. Julia Bläsius FES South Caucasus 4 CONTENTS Executive Summary ................................................................................ 9 Introduction ............................................................................................. 13 Study Methodology ........................................................................... 14 Quantitative Study Sampling .......................................................... 15 Socio-Demographic Characteristics of the Young People .............. 16 Focus Group Selection Criteria ......................................................... 18 Education and Employment ............................................................ 21 Introduction .......................................................................................... 21 Main Findings ...................................................................................... 22 Analysis ................................................................................................. 23 Education .......................................................................................... 23 Employment ...................................................................................... 37 Discussion ............................................................................................. 46 Democracy and Government ........................................................... 49 Introduction .......................................................................................... 49 Main Findings ...................................................................................... 50 Analysis ................................................................................................. 50 Political Participation and Democracy ............................................. 50 Political Stances ................................................................................. 62 Development Problems and Challenges ......................................... 66 Discussion ............................................................................................. 71 Perception of Foreign Policy ............................................................ 75 Introduction .......................................................................................... 75 5 Main Findings ..................................................................................... 76 Analysis ................................................................................................. 77 International Integration Priorities ................................................. 77 Problems of International Integration ............................................ 83 Discussion ............................................................................................. 91 Concerns and Aspirations .................................................................. 95 Introduction .......................................................................................... 95 Main Findings ...................................................................................... 96 Analysis ................................................................................................. 97 Satisfaction with Life ........................................................................ 97 Societal Risks ................................................................................... 101 Migration and Experience of Discrimination ................................ 107 Discussion ........................................................................................... 118 Identity, Values, and Religion ............................................................121