Nepali youths struggle in stagnant systems
Frustration is a common problem among youth, often triggered by unmet expectations, social pressures, or internal conflicts. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), frustration is the thwarting of actions that prevent individuals from obtaining something they have expected.
Understanding the reason for frustration among youth is necessary to know how much they are affected by the country’s current system. To understand this complex emotion, it is important to analyze through psychological and sociological perspectives.
One of the major reasons for frustration among youth is education. “The education system in Nepal places more emphasis on theoretical knowledge rather than practical skills needed in daily life. With this, students feel disconnected, since their learning rarely aligns with real-life problem-solving situations,” says 17-year-old Pasang Tenzing Lama. Education system plays a significant role in shaping youth’s future, and when they feel alienated from the curriculum, many seek opportunities abroad, hoping to acquire practical skills rather than staying back in their own country.
Lama’s perspective shows the thinking pattern of many youth, where being disengaged from education evokes a problem. Gopal Dhakal, a psychologist, says that along with outdated curriculum and lack of practical skills, young people struggle to define their place in society. The mental conflict between what they were taught and the harsh reality, like limited opportunities, leads to disillusionment among youth.
Twenty-three-year old Prapti Khadka says: “Young people are forced to seek opportunities abroad, as they find greater exposure and potential for their growth. As a result, many people tend to stay abroad without any plan to return to Nepal.”
Sociologist Meena Poudel says, “Youths today are globally connected through social media and digital access, but they live in a local context of stagnation. This creates the belief that everything is possible elsewhere, but they feel trapped at home, unable to access those same opportunities.”
The search for a better future goes beyond education and touches the broader workforce. A study by Pew Research Center in Dec 2024 found that only 12 percent of the survey participants expressed dissatisfaction with their jobs. In Nepal’s context, job dissatisfaction among youths could be much higher. Kopila Thapa says her poor salary, long working hours, and the job pressure pose a lot of challenges in her life.
This displeasure not only touches on job conditions, but also ties up the broader issues among youth. Psychologist Dhakal says in the current scenario, youth face constant rejection from a lot of things, despite putting in a lot of effort. “Over time, this leads to low self-esteem, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. As proper paths are unavailable for youth, frustration can give way to aggression and crime.”
This phenomenon is not unique to Nepal. In China, the term “Bai Lan” has gained popularity among youths. It reflects a mindset, which means let it rot, where individuals choose to give up striving in a system they feel is rigged or hopeless. A significant factor intensifying annoyance is the political sphere, where youth feel disconnected from the political process.
“With the frequent changes and lack of a stable government, the demands of citizens are unmet, where youth voices are often neglected”, says 23-year-old Sushant Maharjan, who sees political instability as the major problem in the country.
Sociologist Poudel admits that young people in Nepal are deeply frustrated with the political system marked by the absence of visionary leadership.
“Youth voices are often ignored in our country’s decision-making process, which triggers more stress and leaves them without a clear vision for their future,” says 16-year-old Sniti Bega.
Sociologist Poudel says that the traditional system of education, power, and knowledge remains unchanged, creating a disconnect between the younger generation’s needs and the authority that governs the society. “Our youths feel trapped in a system that does not evolve to their aspirations.
The heavy vexation among youth is an issue that underscores the urgent need for reform.”
The societal structure, regressive education curriculum, and government must evolve to change to address the desires of younger generations. Through progressive leadership and a meaningful political dialogue, Nepal can retain its youth for the country’s growth and transformation.
