This paper attempts to draw certain conclusions from a study into the expectations and ideals of a group of adolescents from the lower socio-economic levels in the city of São Paulo and their relationship with the generation to which they belong. The study of their imaginary, in addition to favouring reflection on social issues which are projected on the present young generation, also permits reflection on the subject’s (adolescent’s) process of becoming a social being. Three groups of young people were formed, each of which was then asked to take part in activities during which they could express various expectations. The content of this speech was then subjected to analysis. On the one hand, it was possible to detect a message of skepticism, arising from their lack of prospects; on the other, an effort to construct viable projects in accordance with the references they encounter. Such efforts result in the limiting of expectations to more tangible goals, such as joining a profession, building a family or establishing neighbourhood ties. But this limiting process has certain consequences, including a disruptive tendency in their discourse which assumes different facets, either more or less psychically elaborated. If in the case of the latter the other generations are forced to confront an uneasyness for which they themselves are jointly responsible; in the case of the former, there emerges an exposure of the fissures in the social order which many people try not to perceive.
Adolescence; Youth; Idealism; Generation; Skepticism