Attitudes and socioeconomic conditions of adolescents and young people in the Federal Republic of Germany are explored in this review of research on views about the future, social protest, unemployment, trainee jobs, the situation of girls, and alternative life styles. Research suggests that young people, while perceiving threats to the environment, for example, are ready to undertake a commitment to the future. Several studies since 1980 suggest that this conscious social-political attitude is not always directed toward established political parties. Many favor political demonstrations, less than half favor the occupation of factories, and a few support violent actions. Further, the proportion of young people skeptical about technology has increased since 1979. Because statistics reveal that not only are there many young people in need of training and study positions, but also that those who have completed training cannot find employment, both the public and private sectors have initiated innovative projects. A survey conducted by a women's magazine suggests that the main concern of young girls is getting the job they want, a concern which is justified since unemployment is higher for women than for men of the same age. The same study also reveals that young women are strongly committed to the peace movement and that they have no aggressive attitudes towards adults. Finally, the alternative life styles, such as joint-living communities, reflect an attempt to make a reality of new forms of living and working. (KC)