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We Knew It: Survey Proves Young Irish People Are Super Open-Minded About The Big Issues

It's no secret that times are changing but what about right here in Ireland? A young Irish people survey has shown that thankfully, the youths of this country are super open-minded and much more progressive than their parents.

Youth Work Ireland, who work with over 100,000 young people, released the findings of the survey as part of their #Equality17 campaign and said it showed we are significantly more tolerant of differences, ethnic minorities and sexuality and more likely to take action to improve society than previous generations, reports the Irish Independent.

75% of the 1,000 people surveyed consider themselves as more tolerant than their parents, 80% said they are more accepting of immigrants from Africa, and 66% are open to people from Muslim countries.

When it comes to attitudes towards Travellers and the Roma community, 58% of young people reckon they are more tolerant and accepting than their parents.

There's also greater understanding for those with disabilities and who are LGBTI: 74%  and 95% said they show more acceptance than their parents, respectively.

But one of the most interesting findings is the nonchalance towards religion: young peeps in Ireland say they're 91% less influenced by the Catholic Church than mammy and daddy. 

Dr Patrick Burke, Youth Work Ireland chief executive, said: "These survey findings prove ... young people in Ireland are some of the most tolerant, socially active and socially aware young people in the world [and] want to get involved in their society."

It certainly does: 79% of young Irish people are more informed about injustices in the world, and 62% said that they were more involved in social issues because of social media.

Other findings included:

  • 90% are more empowered to make a difference in society compared with their parents’ generation
  • 71% are more likely to protest or march in support of a cause
  • 66% are more likely than their parents to vote for politicians who want more progressive change

Nice.

Also read: There's Finally Some Really Positive News About The Legalisation Of Abortion In Ireland

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Emma is an editor and writer from Brisbane, Australia and has been living in Dublin since September 2016 after she decided warm weather and beaches were overrated. She now wears three pairs of trousers every day and loves it.