SUBMITTED BY: Ume farwa
ROLL NO: L1F20BSSY0067
SUBMITTED TO: Miss Sadia Abid
SECTION: C
Topic : The effects of Cultural differences in Generational Gap
Introduction
We all know that humans have been inhabiting this earth for a long time. Over time, times have
changed and humans have evolved. The world became developed and so did mankind. Each
generation has seen new changes and things that the older generations have not. This is exactly
what creates a generation gap. It is how one generation differs from the other. It is quite natural
for a generation gap to exist. Why? Because it shows that mankind is evolving and changing for
the better.
Generations shift and society evolves, differing cultural perspectives can significantly impact the
relationships, social interactions, and communication patterns among individuals from different
age groups. Generation Gap is a term given to the gap or age difference between two sets of
people; the young people and their elders, especially between children and their parents.
Everything is influenced by the change of time- the age, the culture, mannerism, and morality.
This change affects everyone. The generation gap is an endless social phenomenon. Every
generation lives at a certain time under certain circumstances and conditions. So, all generations
have their own set of values and views. Every generation wants to uphold the principles they
believe in.The Generation Gap is primarily caused by rapid social and technological changes.
Each generation has its own unique set of needs and desires, shaped by the time period they
belong to. When two individuals from the same generation get married and have children, their
children typically belong to the next generation and embrace the ideals of their own time. This
can lead to a generation gap, where the demands and expectations of parents and children may
differ. The primary reasons behind this generation gap are the communication gap, advanced
technology, the old mentality, and today’s nuclear family concept. Nowadays, children and
grandparents hardly communicate, which leads to a generation gap. The most common result of
this clash is distanced relations. Generally, a generation gap Is mostly seen between parents and
kids. It shows that parents fail to understand their kids and vice versa. The parents usually follow
the traditions and norms. Likewise, they expect their children to conform to the societal norms as
they have. But the kids are of the modern age with a broad outlook. They refuse to accept these
traditional ways.
This is one of the main reasons why the conflict begins. They do not reach a solution and thus
distance themselves because of misunderstandings. This is a mistake at both ends. The parents
must try not to impose the same expectations which their parents had from them. Similarly, the
kids must not outright wrong their parents but try to understand where this is coming from. Both
generations expects from other generation to behave like them. The elders progressively have a
great collection of complaints hostile the youngsters and the youngsters usually prone to shrug
off the protestation of the senior age group.
By understanding the generational gap, the objective of this research is to identify the factors
contributing to intergenerational conflicts, misunderstandings, and gaps in understanding.
Additionally, this research aims to examine the impact of cultural differences on the generational
gap, recognizing how cultural values and norms shape the perspectives and experiences of
different generations. Ultimately, the objective is to promote understanding, how bridge the gaps
between generations, and foster a harmonious coexistence that maximizes the collective
strengths and contributions of each generation within a culturally diverse society.
While there is existing research on generational gaps and cultural differences independently,
there remains a noticeable gap in comprehending the nuanced effects that cultural diversity has
on the dynamics between different age groups. Studies often focus on either generational gaps
within a specific cultural context or cultural differences among individuals of similar age. By
doing so, we intend to offer a more comprehensive understanding of the complexities inherent in
intergenerational relationships influenced by cultural diversity.
To contextualize this study, it is crucial to acknowledge foundational research that underscores
the relevance of our inquiry. Smith et al. (2017) provide valuable insights into generational
differences and their impact on workplace dynamics, offering a foundation for understanding
intergenerational interactions. Additionally, Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory (1980) lays
the groundwork for comprehending the influence of culture on behavior and values, guiding our
exploration into the cultural factors shaping generational dynamics.
Central to this study is the research question: “How do cultural differences impact the
generational gap, and what are the resulting effects on intergenerational relationships,
communication, and understanding?” This question encapsulates the complexity of our research
objective, guiding our exploration into the intricate ways in which cultural nuances contribute to
or mitigate challenges within generational interactions.
In this research embarks on an exploration of the effects of cultural differences on the
generational gap, aiming to shed light on the intricate dynamics shaping contemporary societies.
By addressing the identified research gap and adopting a comprehensive approach, we aspire to
contribute nuanced insights to the existing body of knowledge, ultimately fostering a deeper
understanding of the interplay between culture and generational relationships in our increasingly
diverse world.
References:
Thapar, V. (2004) : A Study of Value Profiles of Parents and Offspring and Generation
Gap. Personality Study and Group Behaviour, Vol. 21. 10.
Giancola, F. (2006). The generation gap: More myth than reality. People and
strategy, 29(4), 32.
Hui‐Chun, Yu, & Miller, P. (2003). The generation gap and cultural influence–a Taiwan
empirical investigation. Cross Cultural Management: An International Journal, 10(3),
23-41.
Falk, G., & Falk, U. A. (2005). Youth culture and the generation gap. Algora Publishing.