Globalization

Global citizens

Who identifies most with being a citizen of the world?

We conducted a survey among 15–24 and 40+ year-olds across 21 countries to explore how childhood is changing.

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A significant share of young people say they identify most with being part of the world.

That's, in part, a reflection of the explosion of the internet and a growing sense of connectedness around the globe.

% using the internet who identify most with being part of the world
40%
33%
Every DayNot Every Day

Sure enough, those who use the internet every day are more likely to say they identify as a global citizen than those who never use the internet.

% who say they identify most with being part of the world
36%
40%
RuralUrban

Similarly, those who live in cities or towns are more likely to say they identify as global citizens.

Compared with the young, what share of older people identify as citizens of the world?

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On average, just 22% of older people say they identify most with being part of the world — about half the share of young people.

Looking across all 21 countries, people are about 1% less likely to identify as a global citizen with each additional year of age.

This finding is one of the most significant of our project.

It reflects a profound change in how people think about themselves and with which community they most affiliate.

As the world becomes increasingly connected, will the spirit of global citizenship continue to rise with each generation?

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Learn more about this aspect of how childhood is changing.

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