The education/employment situation of young people in West Germany is examined as part of a project to broaden perspectives on social, educational, and employment issues in contemporary industrialized societies. To place problems of West German youth in a broader context, it is necessary to consider socioeconomic developments in West Germany since World War II. Major developments include rapid economic expansion during the 1950s, stabilization during the 1960s, and increasing unemployment and other less favorable economic developments in the 1970s. Although vocational and higher education opportunities for youth have improved in the 1960s and 1970s, the concomitant employment and training position rates of young people 15 to 19 years old fell by one-third during the same period. This uncertainty of career opportunities appears to instill in young people either an unscrupulous sense of competition or resignation to remain in less attractive areas of employment. The conclusion is that because youth are especially susceptible to changes brought about by industrialization, the government must develop policies to bring youth employment opportunities in line with the recent increase in educational opportunities. (DB)