World is pessimistic about 21st century.

All around the world, people envision significant changes by the year 2000. Most believe they will be for the worse, according to a global study coordinated by Roper Starch Worldwide and conducted by its International Research Associates affiliates. Among the perceived changes for the worse are: more young mothers working, greater influence of American films and TV, an increase in immigrants, and later retirement. Needing more education to get a good job is the only change most consider for the better.

Pessimism about the future may be part of a general malaise that individuals are feeling about their country. When asked if "things in your country are generally going in the right direction today or . . . have pretty seriously gotten off on the wrong track," 49% said wrong track; 33%, right direction; and 17% indicated they didn't know.

Asia is the sole area in which more people are optimistic than pessimistic about the future of their country: 34% say it is on the wrong track, while 48% say the right direction. Residents of the...