New Research · 2025
Young Australians: Life, Goals & the Pursuit of Agency
Drawing on original qualitative and quantitative research with 1,246 Australians aged 18–34, this major CIS report examines their aspirations, values, and perceived barriers — and what policymakers must do to help them thrive.
Parnell Palme McGuinness · Centre for Independent Studies · Research Report 52 · March 2026
Key Findings
Young Australians do not aspire to radically different lives than previous generations. Financial security, home ownership, meaningful work, family, and children remain core goals. What has changed is the degree to which these goals feel attainable — and the degree to which young people believe they can do anything about it.
Young Australians report higher levels of anxiety, lower life satisfaction, and a reduced sense of personal agency compared with older cohorts. A central finding is that agency matters as much as material conditions. Policies which focus on government transfers while narrowing choice or reinforcing dependency may fail to improve — and may even worsen — overall life satisfaction.
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39%
of under-35s feel the barriers to their aspirations are within their control — vs 46% of over-35s
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48%
worry about the future almost all the time or most of the time
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91%
agree it is harder for young people today to get ahead than previous generations
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6
distinct tribes identified — each with different values, circumstances, and levels of agency
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The central policy implication is clear: improving the life satisfaction of young Australians requires expanding real choice and personal agency, not merely increasing transfers or services.
The Six Tribes
The research identifies six distinct groups of young Australians, differentiated by their values, circumstances, and perceived autonomy.
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18%
Progressive Identitarians
Urban, politically engaged, high anxiety, low agency. Have replaced traditional milestones with identity and short-term fulfilment.
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19%
Dislocated Post-Traditionalists
Largely female, lowest life satisfaction of all tribes. Economically anxious, anti-establishment, weakest sense of personal control.
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12%
Natals
Predominantly male, nationalist, deeply sceptical of institutions. Yearn for traditional milestones but feel systematically blocked.
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22%
Strivers
The largest tribe. Pragmatic and hopeful — but at risk of disillusionment if hard work doesn’t pay off.
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16%
Detacheds
Disengaged and optimistic by default. A ‘she’ll be right’ attitude with fragile foundations for long-term satisfaction.
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13%
Head-Starts
Affluent, often home-owners, with strong family wealth. Very high agency and life satisfaction. Trust institutions and government.
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Download the Full Report
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Generation Trapped Housing, handouts, and the collapse of young Australians’ life satisfaction Read the complete research paper including detailed tribe profiles, qualitative case studies, and policy recommendations. |
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Upcoming Event Research Launch & Panel Discussion Hear from the researchers and join a live panel debate on what the findings mean for Australian policymakers, parents, and young people themselves. |
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