Czech youth

In the Czech Republic, 15–29 years old is the commonly used range for youth. The transition from youth to adulthood can be affected by increased years in non-compulsory education to the point of becoming financially independent. Estimated projections in 2013 of the total population of this range will be 1.8 million or 5.6% of the total population with 877,000 females and 923,000 males.

With the fall of communism and the Velvet Revolution in 1989, the experiences of youth in the post-revolutionary Czech Republic have been recognized as useful markers of cultural, political, and social trends. Consumption in the Czech economy has led to a need for individualization of youth. This consumption also leads to a connection between youth lives through common biographies during a time of rapid change.

Parents do not expect younger youths to contribute to housework or family finances. They are encouraged to join organizations, such as scouting, or sport clubs, such as soccer or hockey. A working youth is likely to spend their income on themselves rather than contribute to the family.

Dating and courtship are common behaviors among Czech youth, usually starting at age 15 or 16. Younger Czechs are likely to pay for their own expenses on a date. With older Czechs, it is common for the male to pay the expenses. There are few taboos for dating, and Czech youths can date whom they are interested in regardless of ethnicity or religion. Parental approval is not usually sought after for the selection of a dating partner.

The average age Czechs marry vary slightly between gender groups. Females will normally marry in their early to mid-twenties, while males usually marry in their mid to late twenties. A wedding at a church is selected by some Czechs, and incorporation of traditional customs is expected. The husband is looked at as the head of the household, but couples commonly make decisions and split tasks together.

Although the Czech Republic has traditionally been linked to Roman Catholic or Protestant values, atheism is the cultural norm. Almost 90% of youth report never having participated in a religious group of any kind. Compared to the rest of Eastern Europe and to other regions of the world, this is relatively low participation.

Education is required between the ages of 6 and 16. Many private and religious schools started in the post-revolutionary Czech Republic although enrollment in university overall is at least half when compared to other European countries such as Germany, Austria, and Poland.

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