Generation gap and its causes
Miss Iqra Khan
“I am stressed out” said 14 years old Mira as she returned from school.
“Why are you stressed out?” her mother asked promptly.
“Because I don’t think I am gona be as amazing as my friends”. Mira responded in a submissive tone.
“Oh please Mira don’t be stupid. You’re a grown up girl and we have provided you the best of everything. We don’t expect this from you. Get ready for lunch.”
And this is how it goes on. The reason of such lack of understanding between parents and youth is generation gap. Generation gap is gap of an era. It counts differences in attitudes, beliefs, thinking and perceptions between two generations.
The generation gap blocks the actual meaning and essence of words being delivered. I think following are the major causes of generation gap:
- Difference of priorities: I mean ultimate goals and milestones set by both generations, which they really look forward to. What parents want for their children is often different from children’s will.
- Increased consciousness of today’s youth: Youth is well aware of their surroundings and world in general. That’s why they tend to be more independent. Views of elders are thus, considered petty and old school by youngsters. Whereas, parents consider youth as stupid and immature for their choices.
- Technology revolution: Everyone is aware about rapid technological advancement in this century. Youth live with this technology while most of the elder generation is oblivious to such developments. This is one of the major causes of generation gap.
- Influence of virtual world: Due to internet overuse youth begin to live in a virtual world, away from ground realities of the real world. This is one of the reasons that youth find it difficult to relate with elders. This situation annoys our parents.
- False assumptions: On the one hand parents find it difficult to convey their concerns while on the other hand youth finds it difficult to persuade parents. The situation leads to development of false assumptions. Unsettled assumptions enhance the generation gap.
- Comparisons/competition: This is an issue since long. Comparisons made with other children and youth create jealousy and competition causes loss of individuality. Lack of encouragement from elders further deepen the distances.
- Independent mindset : As mentioned earlier, young generation really look for freedom and self-regulating lifestyle. Feeling of being controlled creates rage and aggression.
- Lack of acceptance and appreciation: Youth complains about lack of appreciation by elders. When youth is appreciated by elders, it opens up their hearts and they feel encouraged. Psychologically proven, public appreciations boosts confidence and renders differences.
- Lack of communication: All the above mentioned reasons eventually create communication barriers between young and old generation.
My next blog on www.crvoices.com will suggest how to address the generation gap.
Miss Iqra Khan is a student of a medical university in Islamabad.
For comments please write to crvoices@gmail.com
Picture credit: Pixabay
