From 21–24 May, UIC Barcelona organised the international workshop “Young People, Life Paths and Family Plans”, an academic meeting that brought together researchers, lecturers and international experts to examine the challenges young people currently face when building a family in a context marked by social, economic and relational uncertainty.
Led by the Institute for Advanced Family Studies (IESF), the event combined keynote lectures, research presentations and collaborative working sessions focusing on young people’s life paths, family policy and support for families.
The workshop explored how the current climate of instability is affecting younger generations in areas such as access to employment, housing and personal stability. As discussed throughout the sessions, economic insecurity, uncertainty about the future and the fragility of personal relationships are contributing to fragmented life paths marked by constant transitions. This makes it more difficult for many young people to envisage and sustain long-term plans to build a family.
The event also provided an opportunity for interdisciplinary reflection and dialogue on how best to support young people and families, as well as on the need to promote academic, social and family-focused initiatives capable of responding to these contemporary challenges.
The workshop also included the assemblies of the Latin American Network of University Institutes for the Family (REDIFAM) and the International Network of University Institutes for the Family (REDIUF). The latter is chaired by Montserrat Gas-Aixendri, professor in the Faculty of Law at UIC Barcelona and lecturer and researcher at the IESF. This further strengthens UIC Barcelona’s role as an international hub for academic reflection and collaborative work on family-related issues.
The programme also included the public event “Young people’s pathways and building a family”, a dedicated space for reflection and knowledge-sharing featuring two internationally recognised experts. Philosopher and writer Fabrice Hadjadj, director of the Institut Incarnatus Est, delivered the lecture “Family beyond the expectation”, while child neuropsychiatrist and couples therapist Mariolina Ceriotti tackled questions on personal identity, emotional maturity and the challenges young people face regarding commitment and family life.
The workshop was also attended by Gabriella Gambino, undersecretary of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, alongside the rector of UIC Barcelona, Alfonso Méndiz and Marc Grau, director of the Institute for Advanced Family Studies.
