YOUTHS IN CONTEMPORARY BELARUS: BASIC VALUES, LIFE PLANS AND BEHAVIOURAL STRATEGIES

The authors focus their research on transformation of basic values, life plans and behavioral strategies of young people in contemporary Belarus. The paper considers the question, if youths are ready to respond to the new challenges of time. The time for reflection is coming to an end. The decisions which will be made with active participation of the new generation during the next several decades will determine the future. The truth, obtained through tireless work of the soul, the understanding of justice as the highest value is the construction material for the new ideal. Do the modern youths have ideals? What can be expected from the generation just entering adulthood? The formation of a new generation has been taking place in the conditions of global instability, transforming society, with the background of changing social attitudes, disappointment with the liberal-democratic model of development. Intragenerational split is felt stronger, alienation from society, the increasing influence of digitalization. A characteristic feature of the new generation is individualism and radicalism. Such universal positive qualities as responsibility, kindness and responsiveness yield to personal, individualistic qualities in their self-awareness.