Youth pessimism in France

A study by Aix-Marseille University found that eight out of ten young people in France believe their lives will be harder than those of their parents, with factors like artificial intelligence, potential new wars, and environmental issues contributing to this sentiment.

Historical context of economic growth

Sociologist Louis Chauvel points out that while the post-World War II era offered opportunities for rebuilding, the economic benefits of that time did not immediately improve wages for workers, as profits were often reinvested rather than shared.

Improved living conditions in the 1960s

The 1960s are often viewed as a "jackpot" for young people, as they entered a period of economic growth known as the "thirty glorious years," despite challenges like polio, tuberculosis, and poverty, and were able to afford cars by their late twenties.

Middle-class prosperity in the 1970s

The 1970s are described as a "small paradise for middle-class employees," marked by high wages and low housing costs. However, this period also saw a decline in fertility rates, which would later affect the balance between the working population and retirees.

Economic decline in the 1980s

The 1980s marked the beginning of economic shocks, especially in the real estate sector, with the end of the golden period for the working class coinciding with deindustrialization and the closure of many factories.

Deteriorating conditions for young people

From the 1990s onward, conditions for young people have continued to worsen, with increasing difficulty in achieving a comfortable standard of living. While absolute living conditions have improved compared to previous decades, relative living conditions have deteriorated.

Rising real estate and income inequality

Real estate prices have risen sharply, with a year of teaching with an AGREG in the 1980s allowing the purchase of 9 square meters in Paris, compared to only 2.5 square meters today. Unemployment among those under 25 has also remained higher than the national average, and the housing crisis is a new challenge.

Worsening economic mobility

The time required to double one's salary has increased significantly, from fifteen years in the 1960s to eighty years today. This has shifted poverty demographics, with 44% of the poor in 2025 being under 30, compared to 40% of the precarious population being over 65 in 1975.