This paper analyses social representations of youths on their main problems and how they deal with them. Data were collected in 39 interviews with residents in Duque de Caxias, of both genders, aged between 13 and 22 years old. The analysis shows that the representation of the problems are make clear in opposition to their projects of life, which are structured around economic and affective stability. The interviewed youths consider that they themselves must overcome the main obstacles to their projects. For that, they need support from parents and friends, who represent at the same time the major source of support, however, a significant concern when they are not able to correspond to the youths' expectations.
Youth; family; social representations; projects of life
