Pathways to the Future - The Social Integration of Young People in Vienna

The research project “Paths to the Future” is a longitudinal study using a variety of methods. Over the next 5 years (at least), the study will accompany young people in Vienna on their course through life and on their transition from an Austrian so-called new secondary school to other educational institutions, vocational education, labour market training measures and professional life. The observation of young people during these important stages of life enables us to identify opportunities and obstacles, significant events and actions of the participants. The survey focuses on different, interconnected stages during adolescence: educational system and vocational training, professional life and labour market training measures, family relationships and social networks as well as identity-forming processes and dynamics of youth culture. On the one hand, the project analyses lives in relation to social origin, educational success and labour market opportunities, as well as the conceived or promised, desired or dreaded future of young people in Vienna on the other hand. This project run by the Department of Sociology takes a holistic approach and involves all research areas of the Department, such as migration, work, family, culture, city or social inequality.