Social and economic equality are highly valued in many political contexts. However, it is unclear what they are, how to measure them, and how they should be prioritized in relation to other goals.

The education system is often considered vital for the creation of an egalitarian society. It shall promote all pupils' development and learning, and also be based on scientific grounds. However, there is little knowledge of what “based on scientific grounds” means. New research is needed to illuminate the theoretical and practical issues of a research-based school and its potential to contribute to a more equal society.

A significant proportion of the population, especially young people, lack the prospect of stable full-time employment today. Instead they rely on help from family and friends, or on means-tested forms of support for their livelihood. Could the idea of a general obligation-free basic income be a relevant contribution to the discussion about this situation?

At the Institute for Futures Studies we study four major areas where social changes have occurred that have affected young people: the family, the economy, the school, and immigration.