Generational challenges

Young people will face a number of social, economic and environmental challenges in the future.

1. climate change and the environment

• Extreme weather conditions, environmental disasters and loss of biodiversity.
• Demand to live more sustainably and actively contribute to solving the climate crisis.
• Uncertainty about the long-term quality of life on the planet.

Young people are growing up with a perceptible change in climate change. Heatwaves, forest fires in Europe and heavy rainfall with flooding are becoming more frequent. Young people who are involved in climate movements feel powerless in the face of political and economic interests. The pressure to live sustainably comes up against structural obstacles: public transport is too expensive, sustainable products are more expensive, political influence from lobby organisations prevents necessary legislative changes. Marketing campaigns ignore legitimate solutions and instead offer an idiology of consumption and growth that is no longer ethically justifiable.

This would be required:

• a deep understanding of ecological relationships and their consequences for all living things.
• sensible self-regulation of consumer behaviour and a revision of the illusionary concept of quality of life at the expense of other people and living beings.
• concrete possibilities of influencing mobility decisions and political commitment in the legislative process.
• Strengthening environmental awareness in everyday life through local commitments and campaigns.

2. mental health

• Increasing pressure to perform at school, university and work, based on outdated teaching and learning methods.
• Social isolation through digitalisation and social media.
• Increase in depression, anxiety disorders and other mental illnesses.
• Increasing development of violence as a reaction to ignored social problems of coexistence.

Many young people feel overwhelmed: Pressure to perform in school and education, constant comparison via social media and fears about the future are leading to a significant increase in psychological stress. According to studies, the proportion of young people with depression or anxiety disorders is rising steadily. At the same time, access to therapy is difficult and it takes months before help is available. The stigmatisation of mental illness leads to a shift in the image of people and their concept of health. The use of psychotropic drugs as a social substitute solution is still favoured.

Contemporary education could make a difference:

• Educating children at school about the causes of mental illness reduces prejudices and enables early help.
• Awareness campaigns in schools help to recognise mental health problems at an early stage.
• offering conflict resolution strategies that take cultural and religious differences into account.
• breaking down the mode of action of digital "social" media reduces dependency and influence on the development of independent personal development.
• Self-help groups, open dialogue rooms and youth projects promote exchange and relief.

3. education and equal opportunities

• Education depends on social background.
• Digitalisation of the education system is proceeding unevenly.
• Shortage of qualified teachers and overcrowded schools.
• Outdated teaching concepts prevent the socially necessary development.

The German education system is strongly characterised by social background. Children from educationally disadvantaged or low-income families find it more difficult to obtain A-levels or go to university. Public schools and private universities are only accessible to a certain section of the population. There is a lack of modern teaching materials, digital infrastructure and qualified teachers. The pandemic has clearly demonstrated these weaknesses: Those without their own room or wifi were at a disadvantage in homeschooling. Outdated learning content and idiological guidelines convey a late-capitalist view of the world. A grading system that rewards adaptability prevents independent thinking and the development of personal responsibility.

Contemporary education could make a difference:

• Early childhood education, all-day schools and targeted support (e.g. language support) help to reduce social differences.
• Scholarships, mentoring and tutoring projects give disadvantaged young people better opportunities.
• training in educational study programmes that takes account of current social problems and offers conflict resolution strategies for teachers.
• Learning, not as reproduction, but critical questioning of existing social guidelines, promotes a development towards a future-orientated ecological and economic focus.
• Voluntary initiatives on the ground are supported politically and financially.

4 Labour market and future prospects

• Automation and artificial intelligence are changing or replacing professions.
• Uncertainty about secure and long-term jobs.
• Competitive pressure due to globalisation and new qualification requirements.
• The social value of labour and remuneration must be redefined.

The world of work is potentially changing due to automation, artificial intelligence and globalisation. This poses multiple challenges for young people - without knowing which professions will still be relevant in 10 years' time. At the same time, uncertainty is growing due to temporary jobs, internships and precarious employment. A remuneration principle that manifests a disproportionate privileging of certain occupational groups is increasingly dividing society.

Contemporary measures could make a difference:

• Promoting and focussing on media skills, teamwork, creativity and problem solving prepares students for a constantly changing world of work.
• Exchange in networks, professional mentors, student companies provide practice and contacts.
• Commitment to fair working conditions (e.g. in youth trade unions) can improve standards.
• Income and remuneration are orientated towards social, societal needs.
• Purely egocentric profit optimisation as an expression of social success is no longer promoted by the state.

5. housing and cost of living

• Rising rents that can no longer be financed.
• Difficult start due to significant increase in ancillary costs.
• Financial burden due to training or studies.
• Speculation and artificially created shortages of food and basic commodities for the purpose of manipulating end consumer prices.

In major cities such as Berlin, Munich and Hamburg, affordable housing is scarce due to speculation. Young people pay a large proportion of their income for rent, cannot find anything affordable and are forced to live with their parents for longer. Students also have to contend with rising living costs, energy prices and poorly paid part-time jobs. Apprenticeship salaries are not enough to cover living costs and financial support from parents is a prerequisite.

Contemporary education could make a difference:

• Civic education creates an understanding of democracy, pluralism and human rights.
• Intercultural education promotes respect and understanding between different groups.
• Participation in youth parliaments, initiatives against racism or integration projects improves social coexistence.
• Voluntary work (e.g. homework help, language cafés) promotes cohesion.
• The promotion of housing speculation will be regulated until the population's needs are met in line with income.

6 Demographic change

• The ageing society leads to more burdens for young people. The current system of old-age provision (care, pension system, health insurance etc.) no longer covers the cost increases.
• The social interests of young people are not given any weight, as they are not demanded by any lobby.
• The ageing of political decision-makers is unilaterally shifting the priorities of society as a whole.
• New ways of living in society, such as unmarried partners, cohabitation and shared flats, are ignored by the state. Instead, conservative life models with a classic family image continue to be promoted and favoured in terms of taxation.

Contemporary measures could make a difference:

- At present, politicians are not expected to come up with any solutions that will ease the burden on the majority of the population.

7 Social justice and integration

• The capitalist-orientated and neoliberal market economy has not integrated social justice and ethics.
• Dealing with migration, racism and cultural diversity is increasingly being coloured by the populist interests of the respective interest groups.
• social division is accepted and promoted for the purpose of maintaining or gaining political power.
• the principle of exploitation and simultaneous marginalisation no longer works to the same extent as before.
• The expectations of integration require a redefinition of statehood and its sovereignty vis-à-vis other states and societies.

Contemporary measures could make a difference:

- At present, no solutions that renounce a populist stance can be expected from politicians.

What does the Buddhist path have to do with it now?
And what could he do?

So far, there are two orientations in Buddhist philosophy, which certainly overlap or integrate to some extent:
- The path of the individual:
Who is dedicated to his/her personal development and realisation of BuddhaNature in order to reach the awakened state. (Samatha / Vipassana)

- The path of the individual, the group, the Sangha:
Dedicated to her and the development of living beings and the realisation of Buddha nature in order to reach the awakened state. (Samatha / Vipassana / Metta )
This categorisation does not, of course, reflect the full range of possibilities of Buddhist practice, but is intended only as an approach to personal practice.

In principle, Buddhist teachings could make a valuable contribution to many of the social challenges listed above.
Above all through his ethical principles, his attitude to mindfulness, his view of human interaction and his eightfold path:

1. climate awareness and environmental protection

The doctrine of "mutual emergence" emphasises that all life is interconnected. Practising respect for all living things leads to a mindful and responsible approach to nature. Many Buddhist traditions teach a simple, frugal lifestyle that reduces the ecological footprint.

2. mental health

Mindfulness (Sati) and meditation are key practices that can reduce stress, anxiety and inner pressure. A conscious and friendly approach to thoughts and feelings - without identifying with them. The goal of inner balance (equanimity) helps to face crises more calmly.
Many therapeutic approaches (e.g. mindfulness-based stress reduction, MBSR) are inspired by Buddhist techniques. Young people can develop more inner peace and self-awareness through meditation.

3. social justice and compassion

Compassion (Karunā) and loving kindness (Mettā) are at the centre of ethical action. Selfishness is recognised as the cause of suffering; generosity and helpfulness are seen as salutary antidotes.
Promoting social commitment and a willingness to help. Strengthening empathy - especially towards the marginalised, the poor, the weak and strangers.

4. education and personal growth

The path to "awakening" in Buddhism begins with wisdom (Prajñā) - in other words, with realisation, insight and learning. Education means not only absorbing knowledge, but also self-knowledge, mindfulness and ethical behaviour.
Promoting self-determined learning and critical thinking. Schools could introduce mindfulness as part of personal development.

5. dealing with uncertainty and change

Everything is transient (anicca) and in motion - this realisation helps us to better accept change. Clinging to ideas of control or security leads to suffering - letting go and focussing on the essentials can set you free.
Strengthening inner resistance (resilience) to challenges such as illness, unemployment, crises and fears about the future. Promoting an attitude of "here and now".

Conclusion:

Unfortunately, the various Buddhist lineages and doctrines in Germany have not yet been able to come together for joint action and co-operative exchange.

The DBU (buddhism-germany.com/) already offers a forum for this with various working groups and information about events/centers/opinions and discourses.

Whether Buddhism will be perceived as a movement that wants to take on social responsibility in the future certainly depends on whether the potential of Buddhist teachings can be conveyed to the younger generation in a contemporary way.

With best regards
Stefan