effects of generation gap essay

Essay on Generation Gap

Introduction to Generation Gap

The term “generation gap” encapsulates the ever-present divide between individuals of different age groups, fostering distinct worldviews shaped by unique experiences and societal influences. This gap has widened in today’s rapidly evolving world, fueled by technological advancements and cultural shifts. This essay delves into the causes and effects of the generation gap, exploring its implications on communication, relationships, and societal harmony. We aim to foster understanding and collaboration across generations by identifying strategies to bridge this gap. Recognizing the importance of addressing this divide is crucial for cultivating empathy, enhancing interpersonal connections, and promoting a harmonious coexistence in our diverse and dynamic global community.

Significance of Addressing the Generation Gap

The significance of addressing the generation gap lies in its profound impact on societal harmony, interpersonal relationships, and collective progress. It is imperative to comprehend and close this gap for several reasons:

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• Cultural Continuity: Each generation contributes to the cultural fabric of society. Addressing the generation gap ensures the preservation of traditions, values, and historical perspectives, fostering a sense of continuity and connection across different age groups.
• Effective Communication: Improved communication between generations promotes understanding and minimizes misunderstandings. It enhances collaboration in various settings, from family environments to workplaces, creating a more cohesive and productive society.
• Innovation and Progress: Bridging the gap encourages the exchange of ideas and perspectives between generations. This cross-pollination of thoughts fosters innovation and ensures that societal progress benefits from the wisdom of the older generation and the fresh perspectives of the younger one.
• Family Dynamics: Within families, addressing the generation gap fosters stronger bonds. Open communication and mutual understanding create a supportive environment where family members can navigate challenges together, building a foundation for a healthier and more resilient family structure.
• Workplace Productivity: In professional settings, understanding and appreciating generational differences enhances teamwork, creativity, and productivity. A diverse workforce comprising individuals of different ages brings a wealth of skills, experiences, and ideas.
• Social Harmony: A society that actively addresses the generation gap tends to be more inclusive and harmonious. Recognizing the value of each generation’s contributions fosters empathy, reduces stereotypes, and creates an environment where individuals of all ages feel valued and understood.

Importance of Communication Across Age Groups

Effective communication across age groups fosters understanding, harmony, and collaboration in diverse societal contexts. The importance of such communication can be highlighted through several key points:

• Cultural Exchange: Interactions between different age groups facilitate the exchange of cultural knowledge, traditions, and values. This mutual sharing enhances cultural awareness and helps preserve heritage.
• Knowledge Transfer: Older generations possess valuable life experiences and skills, while younger generations bring fresh perspectives and technological proficiency. Open communication ensures a seamless knowledge transfer, fostering continuous learning and skill development.
• Workplace Dynamics: In professional settings, effective communication across age groups is essential for cohesive teamwork and increased productivity. It promotes a collaborative work environment where diverse skills and experiences contribute to innovative solutions.
• Social Cohesion: Communication bridges gaps in societal understanding. Engaging in conversations across generations reduces stereotypes and fosters empathy, creating a more cohesive and inclusive social fabric.
• Family Harmony: Within families, communication across age groups strengthens relationships. An open dialogue helps address generational differences, fostering a supportive environment where family members can navigate challenges together.
• Conflict Resolution: Misunderstandings arising from generational differences can lead to conflicts. Effective communication provides a platform to address and resolve these conflicts, promoting healthier relationships and stronger communities.
• Adaptability: The world is evolving rapidly, and each generation is experiencing unique challenges. Communicating across age groups facilitates adaptability as individuals learn from one another and collectively navigate societal changes.

How is the Generation Gap Evident?

The generation gap manifests in various ways, reflecting the differences in attitudes, values, lifestyles, and communication styles between individuals of different age groups. Evidence of the generation gap can be observed in the following areas:

• Communication Styles: Varied preferences in communication tools and styles are evident. Younger generations may favor digital communication, such as texting or social media , while older generations may prefer face-to-face or phone conversations.
• Technology Adoption: Differences in technology use highlight the generation gap. Younger generations tend to adopt new technologies earlier than older generations, who may be slower to adapt.
• Workplace Expectations: Distinct attitudes towards work are noticeable. Younger generations often seek work-life balance, flexibility, and purpose in their careers, while older generations may emphasize job stability and traditional work structures.
• Cultural References: Preferences for cultural references, entertainment, and pop culture vary between generations. Different age groups may have divergent tastes in music, movies, and forms of entertainment, reflecting their respective cultural influences.
• Values and Priorities: Generational gaps are evident in values and priorities. For instance, older generations may emphasize traditional values and family stability, while younger generations might prioritize individualism, social justice, and environmental sustainability.
• Attitudes Towards Authority: Attitudes towards authority figures and structures can differ. Younger generations may question authority and prefer collaborative decision-making, while older generations may value hierarchical structures and traditional forms of leadership.
• Political and Social Views: Generational differences are often pronounced in political and social views. Perspectives on issues such as civil rights, gender equality, and environmental responsibility may vary significantly between generations.
• Fashion and Lifestyle Choices: Clothing styles and lifestyle choices often reflect generational trends. Each generation tends to have its fashion preferences, reflecting broader societal shifts and cultural influences.
• Educational Approaches: Attitudes towards education and learning methods can differ. Younger generations may embrace technology in learning, while older generations may value traditional classroom settings and textbooks.
• Social Media Usage: The use of social media is a clear indicator of the generation gap. Younger individuals are often more active on platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, or TikTok, while older generations may engage more on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn.
• Financial Perspectives: Perspectives on financial matters can vary. Younger generations may be more inclined towards experiences and saving for the future, while older generations may prioritize financial stability and homeownership.
• Approaches to Health and Wellness: Generational gaps are evident in attitudes towards health and wellness. Younger generations may prioritize holistic well-being, including mental health, while older generations may have different perspectives on healthcare and lifestyle choices.

Causes of the Generation Gap

Understanding the causes of the generation gap is crucial for addressing and bridging the divide between different age groups. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon:

• Technological Advancements: Rapid advancements in technology contribute significantly to the generation gap. Older generations may struggle to keep pace with the constantly evolving digital landscape, leading to a divide in communication styles and preferences.
• Cultural Shifts: Changes in societal norms, values, and cultural practices over time contribute to the generation gap. Each generation is shaped by the unique historical and cultural context in which they come of age, leading to divergent perspectives on various issues.
• Educational Disparities: Differences in educational opportunities and experiences can contribute to varying levels of knowledge and awareness across generations. Disparities in access to education can influence communication patterns and understanding of contemporary issues.
• Economic Factors: Economic conditions and opportunities can impact generational perspectives. For instance, economic downturns may shape the outlook of one generation in contrast to another that has experienced economic prosperity, leading to differing attitudes toward financial matters.
• Social Media Influence: Social media’s prevalence has significantly altered communication dynamics. Growing up in a digital era, younger generations may have distinct communication styles, social norms, and values compared to older generations, potentially causing a gap in understanding.
• Globalization: The interconnectedness of the world due to globalization exposes each generation to a rapidly changing global landscape. Varying responses to global issues and cultural influences contribute to differences in worldviews and priorities.
• Political and Social Movements: Participation in and reactions to political and social movements can shape generational perspectives. The experiences of living through significant historical events or participating in social change movements can lead to different outlooks on societal issues.

Effects of the Generation Gap

The generation gap manifests in various ways and has a range of effects on individuals, families, workplaces, and societies as a whole. Understanding these effects is crucial for addressing and mitigating the challenges associated with generational differences.

Here are some key impacts of the generation gap:

• Communication Barriers: Differences in communication styles, preferences, and technology use can lead to misunderstandings and communication breakdowns between generations.
• Misinterpretation and Stereotyping: Generational stereotypes may lead to misinterpretation of intentions and abilities, fostering negative perceptions and hindering collaboration.
• Workplace Dynamics: In the workplace, the generation gap can result in conflicts arising from differing work styles, expectations, and attitudes toward authority.
• Technological Divide: Older generations may experience a technological divide, feeling overwhelmed or excluded from the digital advancements embraced by younger generations.
• Family Conflicts: Within families, the generation gap can contribute to conflicts related to lifestyle choices, values, and expectations, affecting family dynamics.
• Resistance to Change: Older generations may resist embracing change, while younger generations may be more inclined towards innovation and adaptation, creating tension within various settings.
• Differing Perspectives on Social Issues: Generational gaps can lead to differing views on social and political issues, potentially creating divides in societal attitudes toward diversity, climate change, and social justice.
• Cultural Shifts: The generation gap contributes to cultural shifts as younger generations redefine societal norms, challenging established traditions and values.
• Impact on Education: Educational approaches and expectations may vary across generations, affecting learning styles, academic goals, and the perception of the value of education.
• Loneliness and Isolation: Older individuals may experience feelings of loneliness and isolation if they struggle to connect with younger family members or if societal changes alienate them.
• Innovation and Creativity: On the positive side, the generation gap can stimulate innovation and creativity as different perspectives come together, leading to new ideas and approaches.
• Social Harmony: When the generation gap is addressed positively, it can contribute to social harmony by fostering understanding, empathy, and appreciation for diverse viewpoints.

Strategies for Bridging the Generation Gap

Bridging the generation gap requires intentional efforts to foster understanding, open communication, and collaboration among different age groups.

Here are key strategies to bridge the generation gap:

• Open Communication: Encourage intergenerational communication to promote understanding. Establish a safe space for open expression of perspectives and concerns.
• Active Listening: Promote active listening skills to ensure that individuals from all age groups feel heard and valued. This helps in avoiding misunderstandings and building stronger connections.
• Mutual Respect: Emphasize the importance of mutual respect. Recognize and value the distinct viewpoints, experiences, and contributions that every generation has to offer.
• Shared Learning: Facilitate opportunities for shared learning experiences. Older generations can share their experiences and knowledge, while younger generations can offer their technological expertise and insights.
• Mentoring Programs: Establish mentoring programs that pair individuals from different age groups. This allows for transferring knowledge and skills, fostering professional and personal growth.
• Reverse Mentoring: Encourage reverse mentoring, where younger individuals mentor older counterparts, particularly in areas related to technology, social media, and contemporary trends.
• Team-building Activities: Organize team-building activities that promote collaboration and communication. These activities can break down barriers and create a sense of unity among individuals of different generations.
• Generational Diversity Training: Provide training programs on generational diversity to increase awareness and understanding of each generation’s unique characteristics and perspectives.
• Flexible Work Environments: Implement flexible work environments that accommodate different work styles and preferences. This fosters a culture of inclusivity, allowing individuals of all ages to thrive.
• Recognition of Contributions: Recognize and celebrate the contributions of individuals from all age groups. This acknowledgment helps build a positive and inclusive culture where everyone feels valued.
• Cross-generational Collaboration Projects: Encourage collaboration on projects that involve individuals from different age groups. This promotes teamwork, encourages exchanging ideas, and leads to innovative solutions.
• Promote Work-life Balance: Recognize and address generational differences in attitudes toward work-life balance. Establish regulations that uphold a balanced approach and address the different requirements of different age groups.

Real-life Examples

Real-life examples of successful efforts to bridge the generation gap provide valuable insights into the positive outcomes of fostering intergenerational understanding and collaboration. Here are a few examples:

• Corporate Mentorship Programs: Many forward-thinking companies have implemented mentorship programs that pair experienced employees with younger counterparts. This allows for the exchange of knowledge, skills, and perspectives. For instance, multinational corporations like IBM and General Electric have established successful mentorship initiatives.
• Tech Companies Embracing Diversity: Silicon Valley companies, known for their emphasis on innovation, have recognized the benefits of a diverse workforce. Tech giants like Google, Apple, and Microsoft actively promote intergenerational collaboration, recognizing that a mix of experienced and younger talent leads to more creative and effective solutions.
• Community Volunteer Initiatives: Volunteer organizations often bring together individuals from different age groups to work toward common goals. For example, community service projects, such as environmental cleanup efforts or charitable initiatives, allow people of all ages to collaborate and make a positive impact.
• Intergenerational Learning in Education: Educational institutions have implemented programs encouraging intergenerational learning. In some schools, older adults serve as mentors or volunteers, sharing their life experiences and skills with students. Conversely, students may assist older adults with technology or provide tutoring services.
• Family Businesses Transitioning Leadership: Successful family businesses often prioritize a smooth leadership transition between generations. Open communication, mentorship, and a shared vision for the future contribute to the longevity and success of these enterprises. Examples include businesses in various industries, from retail to manufacturing.
• Government Initiatives for Age-Friendly Communities: Some local governments have implemented initiatives to create age-friendly communities. These programs ensure that public spaces, services, and policies accommodate the needs and preferences of individuals of all ages, fostering inclusivity and community cohesion.
• Inter-generational Housing Solutions: Innovative housing solutions bring together people of different ages. Examples include co-housing projects where families, young professionals, and seniors live nearby, creating a supportive and diverse living environment.
• Technology Training for Seniors: Non-profit organizations and community centers offer technology training programs for seniors, bridging the digital divide. Initiatives like these empower older individuals to stay connected with younger generations and the broader community through digital means.
• Cultural Exchange Programs: Programs facilitating cultural exchange between generations contribute to mutual understanding. These initiatives may involve storytelling, art workshops, or collaborative events that bring together individuals with different cultural backgrounds and experiences.

Addressing the generation gap is a matter of understanding differences and a crucial step toward building more robust, more cohesive societies. By recognizing each generation’s unique perspectives, values, and contributions, we pave the way for effective communication, collaboration, and cultural exchange. Embracing generational diversity enables us to harness the strengths of varied experiences, fostering innovation, empathy, and harmonious coexistence. In a world marked by rapid change, bridging the generation gap is necessary and an opportunity to create richer, more resilient communities that thrive on all age groups’ collective wisdom and dynamism.

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Essay on Generation Gap for Students and Children

500+ words essay on generation gap.

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. However, sometimes this gap impacts our lives wrongly.

Generation Gap – Impact on Relations

It is always nice to have fresh ideas and points of view. It is a clear indication of how we are advancing and developing at a great level. However, when this clash of ideas and viewpoints becomes gets too much, it becomes a matter of worry.

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.

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How to Bridge the Gap?

As we all know there is no stronger bond than that of a kid and his parents. Thus, we must understand its importance and handle it with care. Nowadays, it is very disheartening to see that these precious relationships are getting strained due to a generation gap.

In other words, just because there is a difference of opinion does not mean that people give up on relationships. It is high time both parties understand that no one is completely right or wrong. They can both reach a middle ground and sort it out. Acceptance and understanding are the keys here.

Moreover, there must be a friendly relationship between parents and kids. The kids must be given the space to express themselves freely without the fear of traditional thinking. Likewise, the children must trust their parents enough to indulge them in their lives.

Most importantly, there is a need to set boundaries between the two parties. Instead of debating, it is better to understand the point of view. This will result in great communication and both will be happy irrespective of the generation gap.

In short, a generation gap happens due to the constant changes in the world. While we may not stop the evolvement of the world, we can strengthen the bond and bridge the gap it creates. Each person must respect everyone for their individuality rather than fitting them into a box they believe to be right.

FAQs on Generation Gap

Q.1 How does the generation gap impact relationships?

A.1 The generation gap impacts relationships severely. It creates a difference between them and also a lack of understanding. All this results in strained relationships.

Q.2 How can we bridge the generation gap?

A.2 We can bridge the generation gap by creating a safe environment for people to express themselves. We must understand and accept each other for what they are rather than fitting them in a box.

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• Essay on Generation Gap

What is the Generation Gap?

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. This is a problem that has continued for ages.

People born in different periods under different conditions have their views based on the circumstances they have been through. The patterns of life have been changing continuously according to time. Everyone wants to live and behave in his way and no one wants to compromise with his or her values and views. There has always been a difference in attitude or lack of understanding between the younger and older generations. This attitude has augmented the generation gap and it is becoming wider day by day. This gap now has started impacting our lives in the wrong way. 

It is always good to have a wide range of ideas, views, and opinions. It indicates how we are developing and advancing but sometimes this becomes worrisome when the views and ideas are not accepted by both generations. Parents create a certain image in their minds for their children. They want to bring up their children with values that they have been brought up with and expect their children to follow the same. Parents want children to act following their values, as they believe, it is for their benefit and would do well for them. 

Children on the other hand have a broader outlook and refuse to accept the traditional ways. They want to do things their way and don’t like going by any rulebook. Mostly, young people experience conflict during their adolescence. They are desperately searching for self-identity. Parents at times fail to understand the demands of this fast-paced world. Ultimately, despite love and affection for each other both are drained out of energy and not able to comprehend the other. Consequently, there is a lack of communication and giving up on relationships.

Different Ways to Reduce the Generation Gap

Nothing in the world can be as beautiful as a parent-child relationship. It should be nurtured very delicately and so it is important to bridge the gap between the two generations. It is time to realize that neither is completely right nor wrong. Both generations have to develop more understanding and acceptance for each other. Having a dialogue with each other calmly, with the idea of sorting out conflict amicably in ideas, changing their mindset for each other, and coming to a middle ground can be the most helpful instrument in bridging the gap between the two generations. 

Spending more time with each other like family outings, vacations, picnics, shopping, watching movies together could be some effective ways to build up a strong bond with each other. Both the generations need to study the ways of the society during their growing period and have mutual respect for it. To reduce the friction between the two generations, both parents and children have to give space to each other and define certain boundaries that the latter should respect. 

The generation gap occurs because society is constantly changing. It is the responsibility of both generations to fill this gap with love, affection, and trust. Both generations should have mutual respect for the views and opinions that they uphold and advance cautiously with the development of society.

Conclusion 

The generation gap is a very critical concept that occurs because of the different natures of every person. No one can end this generation gap but obviously, you can opt for some way in which it can be reduced. 

There should be efforts made by both sides to get a better relationship between two people. The generation gap may cause conflict between families but if you try to understand the thinking of another person and choose a path in between then you can get a happy living family.

No one wants to live in a tense environment and you always need your elders with yourself no matter what, they are the ones who care for you, they may have different ways of expressing their love and care for you and you might feel awkward but you need to understand them and their ways. Having your elders with you in your family is a blessing, you can talk with them and let them know your views and understand your ways to approach a particular situation.

FAQs on Essay on Generation Gap

1. What do you Understand by Generation Gap?

The gap between the old people and the young is called the generation gap. The generation gap is not only the age difference between young people, their parents, and grandparents, but it is also caused by differences in opinion between two generations; it can be differences in beliefs, differences in views like politics, or differences in values. Therefore a generational gap is a conflict in thoughts, actions, and tastes of the young generation to that of older ones. We can have a good relationship even with a generational gap. All we need to do is understand others' way of thinking.

2. Why Does the Generation Gap Occur?

The generation gap occurs due to differences in views and opinions between the younger and older generation. Both generations want to uphold the principles they believe in. The reason for the generation gap is not only age but it can be because of reasons like:

Difference in beliefs

Difference in interests

Difference in opinion

In today's time, the generational gap has caused conflict between many families. The generational gap occurs because of the following reasons:

Increased life expectancy

The rapid change in society

Mobility of society

The generation gap can be reduced if we work on it with patience and understanding. So whatever may be the reason for the occurrence of the generation gap it can be overcome and a happy relationship can be built between two different people. 

3. How Should the Gap in the two Generations be Bridged?

The gap between the two generations should be bridged by mutual respect, understanding, love, and affection for each other. They both should come to a middle ground and sort things out amicably. Here are a few tips to help children to improve the differences because of the generational gap between their parents and them:

Try to talk more often even if you do not have the time, make time for it.

Spend more time with your parents regularly to develop and maintain your relationship. 

Make them feel special with genuine gestures. 

Share your worries and problems with them.

Respect is the most important thing which you should give them.

Be responsible 

Have patience and understand their perspective in every situation.

4. How Does the Generation Gap Impact Relationships?

Generation gaps disrupt the family completely. Due to a lack of understanding and acceptance, the relationship between the older and the younger generations become strained. Most families can not enjoy their family lives because of disturbed routines either they are too busy with work or other commitments, they are unable to spend time with each other. This increases the generational gap between children and parents. The child is unable to communicate his or her thoughts because of lack of communication and parents are unable to understand what the child is thinking; this causes more differences between them.

The generation gap can cause conflict between a relation of child,  parent, and grandparent. Because of the generational gap, there is a huge difference in the living pattern and pattern in which a person responds to a difficult situation. Elder people often take every situation on themselves and try to seek out the things for others but in today’s generation they believe in working only for themself they do not get bothered by others and they don’t try to seek things for others. But if we work to understand the differences and get a path out in between then the conflicts can be reduced and so the generational gap will not be that bothersome.

5. Where can I find the best essay on Generation Gap?

The generation gap can have a different point of view. Each person has a different way of thinking. Vedantu provides you with the best study material to understand the topic well and write about it. Vedantu is a leading online learning portal that has excellent teachers with years of experience to help students score good marks in exams. The team of Vedantu provides you with study material by subject specialists that have deep knowledge of the topic and excel in providing the best knowledge to their students to get the best results. Visit Vedantu now! 

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• School Education /

Essay on Generation Gap: 100, 200, 300 Words

• Updated on  
• Nov 29, 2023

Have you ever found it difficult to communicate your ideas and emotions to those who are either younger or older than you? Do you find it difficult to persuade your elders to take action? Do you ever feel that your priorities, perspective, and way of thinking are completely different from those of your own parents? Sounds relatable? You are not alone! This is what the generation gap looks like. The generation gap refers to the differences in our opinions, points of view, and perspectives about other people. The generation gap takes place due to developments and changes around the world. Adapting to a new environment has always been in human nature. In the beginning, we all struggle to adapt to new changes, but, with time we adapt ourselves and cope with the new conditions. Here are some sample essay on the generation gap for school students.

Table of Contents

• 1 Essay on Generation Gap in 100 Words
• 2 Essay on Generation Gap in 200 Words
• 3 Essay on Generation Gap in 300 Words

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Ans: The generation gap is a natural phenomenon where people with different values and perspectives clash. What one views as good might not be the same for someone from a different age group. The generation gap is caused due to factors such as technological advancements, the evolution of societal values and cultural norms, changes in communication styles, and other factors. The generation gap is a broader concept and it is essential for us to embrace and bridge this gap.

The generation gap can be bridged by fostering mutual understanding, education, putting yourself in other’s shoes, and emphasizing common values of respect, trust, kindness, etc.

Ans: Older generations can teach the value of time and respecting elders. They can encourage us to follow our passion, take care of our health, not to sweat small stuff, not to judge people, etc.

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Shiva Tyagi

With an experience of over a year, I've developed a passion for writing blogs on wide range of topics. I am mostly inspired from topics related to social and environmental fields, where you come up with a positive outcome.

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Essay on Generation Gap

Students are often asked to write an essay on Generation Gap in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Generation Gap

Understanding the generation gap.

The term ‘Generation Gap’ refers to the differences in opinions, values, and perspectives between individuals of different generations. It often causes misunderstandings and conflicts.

The Generation Gap is primarily caused by rapid social and technological changes. Each generation grows up in a different era, experiencing unique events and advancements.

The Effects

This gap can lead to conflicts, with each generation struggling to understand the other’s viewpoint. However, it also fosters diversity and innovation.

While the Generation Gap can be challenging, it is a natural part of societal growth. Understanding and respect can bridge this gap.

250 Words Essay on Generation Gap

The term “generation gap” refers to the chasm that separates the thoughts, behaviors, and attitudes of one generation from another. This gap is primarily due to the rapid pace of societal and technological change, which often leads to a disconnect between generations.

The Causes of the Generation Gap

The primary cause of the generation gap is the rapid pace of change. Each generation grows up in a different socio-economic and technological environment, which shapes their worldview and experiences. For instance, the advent of digital technology has significantly influenced the values, attitudes, and expectations of younger generations compared to their parents and grandparents.

Implications of the Generation Gap

The generation gap can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts, as different generations may have divergent views on issues such as politics, religion, and social norms. However, it also fosters diversity and innovation, as each generation brings unique perspectives and ideas.

Bridging the Gap

Bridging the generation gap requires empathy, open-mindedness, and effective communication. Understanding and respecting the viewpoints of different generations can lead to a more harmonious coexistence and facilitate the exchange of ideas and knowledge.

In conclusion, the generation gap is a complex phenomenon that reflects the dynamic nature of society. While it can lead to conflict, it also represents an opportunity for growth and innovation. By fostering dialogue and understanding, we can bridge this gap and harness the strengths of each generation.

500 Words Essay on Generation Gap

Introduction, the essence of the generation gap.

The Generation Gap is not a new phenomenon. It has been present for centuries, but its prominence has grown due to the accelerated pace of societal change. The older generation, molded by traditional values, often finds it difficult to understand the perspectives of the younger generation, who are shaped by modernity and rapid technological advancements. This dissonance can lead to conflicts, misunderstandings, and a general sense of disconnect between generations.

Causes of the Generation Gap

One of the primary causes of the Generation Gap is the rapid pace of technological and societal change. The advent of the internet, smartphones, and social media has drastically altered the way the younger generation communicates, socializes, and perceives the world. This shift is often incomprehensible to the older generation, who grew up in an era of face-to-face interactions and traditional communication methods.

Impacts of the Generation Gap

The Generation Gap can have both positive and negative impacts. On the negative side, it can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and a lack of emotional connectivity between generations. It can also result in a lack of respect for the older generation’s wisdom and experience, and a disregard for the younger generation’s innovative ideas and perspectives.

On the positive side, the Generation Gap can spur societal progress. The younger generation’s fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, combined with the older generation’s wisdom and experience, can lead to societal advancement when these generations learn to understand and respect each other’s viewpoints.

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Essay On Generation Gap

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Short Essay On Generation Gap

The generation gap refers to the differences in attitudes, values, and behaviors between people of different generations. This essay will discuss the causes of the generation gap and its effects on society.

The generation gap is caused by several factors, including differences in technology and communication, changes in social norms and values, and the unique historical events and experiences of each generation. For example, older generations may be more resistant to the rapid changes brought about by technology and may not understand the ways in which younger generations use technology to communicate and access information.

The generation gap can have several negative effects on society. For example, it can create a sense of disconnection between different generations, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts. This can cause tensions in families and communities and can result in a lack of cooperation and collaboration between different generations.

The generation gap can also result in a loss of valuable knowledge and traditions, as older generations may not be able to pass on their experiences and wisdom to younger generations. This can lead to a breakdown of cultural heritage and a loss of understanding of the past.

However, the generation gap can also have positive effects. For example, it can drive innovation and progress, as younger generations bring new ideas and perspectives to the table. The generation gap can also encourage mutual understanding and respect, as people of different generations learn from one another and gain a deeper appreciation of different perspectives.

In conclusion, the generation gap is a complex and ongoing phenomenon that has both negative and positive effects on society. To minimize its negative effects, it is important for people of different generations to engage in open and honest communication and to strive to understand one another’s perspectives. By working together, we can build a more united and harmonious society that respects and values the contributions of people of all ages.

Long Essay On Generation Gap

In a world of ever-changing technology, where the distance between generations is widening, it is important to understand what Generation Gap really means. In this article, we will take a look at the differences between generations and how they can be bridged. We will explore the causes of this phenomenon, its effects on individuals and societies, and ways in which it can be overcome. So let’s dive in and find out more about this age-old issue.

Introduction to Generation Gap

Generation gap is a sociological concept which refers to the differences in attitudes, values, beliefs and behaviors between people of different generations.

In today’s society, there is a growing gulf between the young and the old. The traditional values and beliefs of the older generation are increasingly being challenged by the younger generation. This is leading to a growing sense of frustration and misunderstanding between the two groups.

The generation gap is not just about the differences in taste or preferences. It is also about the different worldviews that each group has. For example, the older generation is more likely to believe in traditional values such as hard work, respect for authority and so on. On the other hand, the younger generation is more likely to challenge these values and hold more liberal views on life.

The widening generation gap is causing tension and conflict in many families and workplaces. It is important to understand this phenomenon so that we can find ways to bridge the gap and bring people together.

Causes of Generation Gap

There are a number of factors that can contribute to the generation gap. One of the most common is a difference in values. For example, older generations may place a higher value on things like hard work, respect for authority, and thriftiness. Meanwhile, younger generations may place a higher value on things like creativity, independence, and social justice.

Another big factor that can contribute to the generation gap is technological advancements. Older generations often have trouble keeping up with the latest technology and may not be able to use it as effectively as younger generations. This can lead to feelings of frustration and inadequacy from older adults.

Finally, generational differences in life experiences can also play a role in the generation gap. For instance, those who grew up during wartime or during the Great Depression may have very different outlooks on life than those who grew up in more stable times.

Effects of Generation Gap

The Generation Gap has been around for as long as different generations have existed. It is the difference in the attitudes, values, and beliefs between one generation and another. The term is usually used to refer to the gap between young people and their elders, but it can also refer to the divide between two groups of people who are different ages within the same generation.

The effects of the generation gap can be both positive and negative. On the positive side, young people can bring new ideas and perspectives to older generations, which can lead to innovation and progress. On the negative side, the generation gap can create tension and conflict between different groups of people, and it can also lead to a lack of understanding or respect for each other’s beliefs and values.

Impact of Technology on Generation Gap

In today’s world, technology is a major part of our lives. It’s hard to imagine a time when we didn’t have cell phones, computers, or even television. With all of these advancements in technology, there’s been a big impact on the generation gap.

In the past, there was a huge difference between the generations. The older generations grew up in a time where technology wasn’t as advanced as it is now. They had to do things the hard way and they didn’t have all of the conveniences that we have now. As a result, they were often quite skeptical of new technologies and reluctant to embrace change.

The younger generation, on the other hand, has grown up with all of these advancements in technology. They can’t imagine a time when we didn’t have cell phones or computers. For them, embracing change comes naturally. They’re quick to adapt to new technologies and are always looking for ways to improve upon them.

As you can see, there’s been a big impact on the generation gap thanks to technology. The older generation is now more open to change and the younger generation is leading the way in terms of innovation.

Cultural Differences and Generation Gap

Cultural differences and generation gap is a common phenomenon in every society. All around the world, there are different cultures with their own customs and traditions. These cultures have been passed down from generation to generation, and each new generation learns and practices them.

However, as time goes by, some of these cultural traditions may change or disappear altogether. This is especially true when different generations grow up in different cultures or environments. When this happens, it can lead to a generation gap – where the older generation may not understand or agree with the younger generation’s beliefs or actions.

This can be a source of tension and conflict between generations. It’s important to remember that each generation is shaped by the historical events and cultural influences of their time. So, try to be understanding and respectful of others, even if you don’t always see eye-to-eye.

How to Bridge the Gap Between Generations?

There are a number of ways to bridge the gap between generations. One way is to find common ground. What do you have in common with your parents or grandparents? Maybe you both like to read, garden, or play sports. Once you find something that you both enjoy, you can start to build a relationship from there.

Another way to bridge the generation gap is to simply listen to each other. Hear what your elders have to say about their life experiences. Ask them questions about their childhood, their marriage, their career, etc. And then share your own stories with them. It’s through communication that we can start to understand and appreciate each other more.

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you need help understanding something that your elders say or do, just ask them! They’ll be more than happy to explain it to you. By opening up the lines of communication, we can begin to close the generation gap.

Overall, it is clear that the generation gap between older and younger generations is wide. As a society, we should strive to bridge this gap by fostering open communication between different age groups so that they can learn from one another. This will help us create a more understanding and harmonious environment where everyone can work together towards achieving common goals.

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• Essay On Generation Gap

Generation Gap Essay

500+ words generation gap essay.

The generation gap means the difference between two generations. It often causes conflict between parents and kids. The term can also be explained as the difference of opinions and ideologies between two generations. The views can also be different in religious belief, attitude towards life and political views.

People from different generations differ from each other in various aspects of life. For example, people born before Independence are different from today’s generation. The thinking of both generations is poles apart in terms of the economic, cultural and social environment. Our world keeps changing, and the vast difference between the two generations is inevitable.

Our society keeps on changing at a constant pace, and because of it, people’s opinions, beliefs, ideologies, and behaviour also change with time. These changes bring positive changes to our society by breaking the stereotypes. However, it becomes a cause of conflict between two generations most of the time.

Generation Gap – Impact on Relationships

We should always welcome fresh and new ideas. Accepting new changes indicates that we are advancing and developing significantly. But, there will be a clash between the opinions and views of both generations. The result of this clash leads to distanced relations. If this clash gets too much, it will be a matter of worry.

We can see the generation gap, usually between parents and kids. Parents typically want to follow the traditions and norms and expect the same thing from their kids. But in the modern age, kids with broad thinking refuse to accept such traditions and customs. They want to live their life according to their ways. They fail to understand each other, which sometimes turns into clashes. It is considered one of the primary reasons for conflict between parents and kids.

Both parents and their kids fail to reach a solution that distances them from each other and creates misunderstandings. Parents should not impose their expectations on them to avoid such conflicts. Similarly, the kids should also try to understand their parents’ situation and where it is coming from.

Reasons for Generation Gap:

A generation gap does not mean an age difference. It means the overall difference in their views and opinions, way of talking, style of living, etc. Even there is a vast difference of belief towards cultures and traditions of old and new generations. 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.

How to Bridge the Generation Gap?

1. Communicate

To reduce the generation gap, communication should be the initial step. Lack of communication between parents and kids leads to this gap. You should talk to your parents about your daily routine, feelings, etc. By doing so, you can bridge the gap between you and your parents, which will help you to become more attached. The feeling of affection will grow stronger.

2. Spend time with your parents

Kids should spend quality time with their parents to understand each other better. They can spend quality time watching a match together or going for an evening walk. This will surely help you get closer to your parents and bridge the generation gap. You can even make your parents learn new games and play with them someday.

3. Share your problems

You should share your problems with your parents to help you with solutions. Initially, they might scold you, but at last, they will support you and suggest some solutions.

4. Show genuine gestures

Effective gestures often prove to be successful and can convey more than words. It can be a gift to your parents on their birthdays, anniversaries, Mother’s or Father’s Day, etc.

5. Act Responsibly

Parents feel delighted when they see their kids behaving like grown-ups. As we grow up, our responsibilities also get bigger. It’s better for us if we understand it as fast as possible.

To sum it up, we can say that the generation gap happens due to constant changes in the world.

While we may not stop the evolution of the world, we can strengthen the bond and bridge the gap it creates. Each person must respect everyone for their individuality, rather than fitting them into a box they believe to be correct.

From our BYJU’S website, students can also access CBSE Essays related to different topics. It will help students to get good marks in their exams.

Frequently Asked Questions on Generation gap Essay

How can the generation gap issue be overcome.

It can be overcome by taking proactive steps like actively involving all family members in discussions. Also, we must not ignore or disrespect elderly people and try to explain your point of view if any difference in opinion occurs.

How should parents/ grandparents treat their children in order to avoid generation gaps?

Be friendly with children and advise them in a subtle and patient way. Also, inform them about the major decisions which are to be taken in the family and make them feel included.

What are the main reasons for generation gaps?

The ever-changing technology and the invention of several new things on a daily basis are one of the main reasons for the generation gap.

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Home — Essay Samples — Sociology — Sociology of Generations — Generation Gap

Essays on Generation Gap

Generation gap essay, types of gap generation essay:.

• Societal Impact Essay: This type of essay examines how the generation gap impacts society as a whole. It explores the differences in beliefs, attitudes, and values between generations and how they contribute to social change.
• Family and Parenting Essay: This essay explores the differences in parenting styles and attitudes between generations. It discusses the challenges faced by parents in bridging the generation gap and the impact it has on family dynamics.
• Cultural and Technological Essay: This type of essay examines how technological advancements and cultural changes contribute to the generation gap. It explores the differences in values and attitudes towards technology and cultural practices.

Societal Impact Essay

• Conduct research: To write a generation gap societal impact essay, research is essential. Gather information on how the generation gap affects society, culture, politics, and economics. Utilize credible sources such as academic journals, books, and articles from reputable publications.
• Select a topic: Choose a topic that reflects the societal impact of the generation gap. For example, you could write about how the generation gap affects family relationships, the workplace, politics, or cultural norms.
• Develop an outline: Plan out your essay by creating an outline that includes your main points, supporting evidence, and a conclusion. Ensure that your thesis statement is clear and concise and directly relates to the societal impact of the generation gap.
• Use relevant examples: Use real-life examples to illustrate the societal impact of the generation gap. This could be a current event, a personal experience, or a case study.
• Be objective: Avoid being biased or making sweeping generalizations about a particular generation. Instead, focus on presenting an objective analysis of the societal impact of the generation gap.

Family and Parenting Essay

• Start by identifying specific examples of generation gaps in your family or other families. Think about how different values, attitudes, and beliefs have caused conflicts or misunderstandings.
• Provide background information on how the generation gap has evolved over time and how it is influenced by cultural and social changes.
• Analyze how the generation gap affects the parent-child relationship, communication, and decision-making. You can explore the challenges that parents face in trying to understand and connect with their children, or the struggles that children face in trying to assert their independence and establish their own identities.
• Use personal anecdotes, interviews, and research studies to support your arguments. This will help you provide a more nuanced and realistic picture of the challenges and opportunities that come with the generation gap.
• Finally, offer suggestions or recommendations on how families can bridge the generation gap and build stronger relationships. This can include strategies for better communication, more understanding and empathy, and mutual respect for different perspectives and values.

Cultural and Technological Essay

• Choose a specific cultural or technological aspect: The generation gap can be analyzed in various cultural and technological aspects such as music, fashion, communication, social media, etc. Choose a specific aspect that interests you and that you think you can write about in depth.
• Research and gather information: Research the cultural or technological aspect you want to analyze, and gather information from different sources such as books, articles, and academic journals. Make sure to use reliable and reputable sources.
• Compare and contrast the differences: Analyze the differences in attitudes, beliefs, and values between the generations in relation to the cultural or technological aspect you are examining. Compare and contrast these differences to provide a clear picture of the generation gap.
• Provide examples: To make your essay more engaging, provide specific examples that illustrate the generation gap in the cultural or technological aspect you are examining.
• Be objective: When writing your essay, avoid being biased or judgmental. Instead, present the facts objectively and let the reader draw their conclusions.

Tips for Choosing a Topic:

• Brainstorm: Start by brainstorming ideas related to the generation gap that interest you. Think about the different aspects of society that are impacted by the generation gap, such as politics, education, or media.
• Research: Conduct research on the chosen topic to gather relevant information and statistics. This will help you to develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter and provide a factual basis for your arguments.
• Identify Controversies: Look for controversies and debates related to the generation gap that could make for interesting essay topics. For example, you could explore the debate around the impact of technology on the generation gap.
• Personal Experience: Draw from personal experiences with the generation gap to develop a unique perspective on the topic. Reflect on your own experiences and those of others to gain insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by the generation gap.

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The generational gap and rock 'n' roll in the 1950s, the case of dympna ugwu-oju and generational gaps, generation gap and the diversity cultures between two countries in "the dining room", relevant topics.

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Generation Gap: Childhood, Adulthood, Old Age Essay

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The relations between the generations were always complicated. The older people always indicate that it their time the situation was different and people behaved in the different way. At the same period, the younger generation says about the impact of the modern tendencies, changes of the way of life that give an opportunity to claim that the younger generation is more advanced.

However, as it clearly seen though the history, such attitude of the generations to each other was always the same. Therefore, although the technical facilities, cultural and economical changes impact the society, it is possible to claim that there are no significant changes in the relations between the generations, they are neither improving, nor getting worse.

Analyzing the cultural aspect within the conflict between generations, it is necessary to admit that such cultural issues as art, music, fashion have a tendency of the permanent change. Thereby, it is obvious that the different generations which do not have the same tastes and fashion, cannot understand each other’s needs. And especially this aspect is sharp within the relations between teenagers and their parents.

Today, the tradition hierarchy of family is different than two centuries ago. Elder members of family feel themselves as the intruders. From the other side, their children can easily send parents to the social houses. During the past century, the patterns of solidarity in friend and family relations had been changed (Allan 2008).

The transformation of the family and friendship aspects influences the Western communities since 1970s. People got more freedom and, as the result, the gap in the relations between young people and their parents increased (Thompson 1998).

From the other hand, the flexibility in the constructing of personal life and relations within the social groups is also increased. As the diversity in the priorization provided more facilities and made the personal choice more complex, the cultural changes of the past century can be considered as positive.

The relations between adult and old people can be also considered from the mentioned below position (Edmunds & Turner 2002, Huntley 2006). Thus, in the article Building Positive Relationships (2008) is written about the relations between 57-years old woman and her 89-years old mother.

As it understandable from the article, the conflict between the generations still exists, however, due to the physical disability of old mother, both woman try to find a solution and to rebuild their relations.

Being in the difficult situation, old people need more attention. For adult people, “the decline of a parent’s health, death of one parent or financial pressures often mean an aging parent will need increased social and emotional support or services from family – such as help with meals, cleaning, transportation or financial matters” ( Building Positive Relationships 2010).

In this context, it is necessary to admit the position of Klinenberg (2001) who indicates the tendency of increase of a number of old people who are estranged from their previous social circle and who live alone without a strong connection with their children.

Many old people have to live in the social establishments due to unwillingness of their younger relatives to care about them. This tendency demonstrates that the traditional cultural attitude to family, marriage and old parent is changed.

Obviously, the economic conditions influence generations. Wyn (2006) explores the rupture of the educational and employment outcomes as the peculiarity of the current situation of the young generation.

As it was normal order of things, today, such disbalance is widely spread that makes young people face with a number of problems while searching a job as “the transition processes for the majority of young people born after 1970 are different from those of the majority of their parents’ generation” (Wyn 2006, p. 6).

From this point of view, it is possible to notice that the younger generation has a significant reason to claim that the current situation on the labor market is more difficult than it was years ago.

According to the statistics provided by Wyn, “by the year 2000, at the age of 27, 68 per cent of the respondents had achieved permanent jobs, and 76 per cent were in full-time jobs” (Wyn 2006, p. 10). However, from the other hand, the elder generation has much more problems within this aspect. Although old people are more experienced, many employers prefer to accept a young person than the elder one.

Analyzing Mannheim’s essay The Problem of Generation , Pilcher (1994) indicates that “the notion of generation being widespread in everyday language as a way of understanding differences between age groups and as a means of locating individuals and groups within historical times” ( Mannheim’s sociology of generations: an undervalued legacy , p. 481).

Thereby, it is possible to say that the present problem existed during the history and never turned into the tendency of improvement or worsening. Different social models, tendencies, fashion and other issues dictate the rules of the relations between generations. Although a number of researchers indicate the increasing way of generation gap, history demonstrates that such tendencies were presented at all times.

Today, teenagers and young people feel themselves free and independent as the world is controlled by them. The number of old people is growing day by day as the result of the demographic characteristics. The present century requires more fast reaction, creative ideas and flexibility which are typical for younger generation. Wyn claims that today the process for becoming adult is different and emerging.

The typical issues of those changes are “an increasingly flexible labor market, dissolution of occupational boundaries, deregulation of labour, and increases in contrast, part-time employment” (2006, p. 12). At the same period, the cultural aspect also changes. Thus, the attitude of the young people to marriage and family is different while the level of fertility reduces.

Privatization of educational services diminishes the capability of young people to get better education. Changed attitude to the elder relatives led to a big number of the old people abandoned in the social houses. Generation gap is the key moment within the understanding of the relations between generations.

There is possible to say about the sharp conflict which is concerned with different parts of life and particularly with economic and cultural aspects. Young adults and elder people have the different possibilities to find a job, to increase their financial status according to the current tendencies in the society and they have different cultural tastes and traditional values.

However, although the cultural and economical changes impact the society and the generation gap is significant, it is necessary to claim that the relations between the generations are neither improving, nor getting worse. The historical knowledge provides the demonstration that such situation was always actual and topical.

Reference List

Allan, G 2008, ‘Flexibility, Friendship and Family’, Personal Relationships , 15: 1-16.

Building Positive Relationships 2010. Web.

Edmunds, J & Turner, B. S 2002, ‘Introduction: Generations, War and Intellectuals’, Generations, Culture and Society , Open University Press, Buckingham, pp. 1-23.

Huntley, R 2006, ‘From X to Y’, The World According to Y: Inside the New Adult Generation , Crows Nest: Allen & Unwin, pp. 1-23.

Klinenberg, E 2001, ‘Dying Alone: The Social Production of Urban Isolation’, Ethnography , 4:2, pp. 501-531. Web.

Pilcher,J (1994), ‘Mannheim’s sociology of generations: an undervalued legacy’, BJC, Vol. 45, Issue 3: pp. 481-495.

Thompson, K 1998, ‘The Classic Moral Panic: Mods and Rockers’, Moral Panics , Routledge, London, pp. 31-56.

Wyn, J 2004, ‘Becoming Adult in the 2000s: New Transitions and New Careers’, Family Matters , 68: pp. 6-12.

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Generation Gap Essay | Essay on Generation Gap for Students and Children in English

February 14, 2024 by Prasanna

Generation Gap Essay:  Generation Gap is a term, which is given to the gap between two generations; the younger generation and their elders, especially between children and their parents. Everything is affected with the change of time the age, the culture, mannerism, morality etc. It is a fact that this difference affects everyone.

You can read more  Essay Writing  about articles, events, people, sports, technology many more.

Long and Short Essays on Generation Gap for Kids and Students in English

Given below are two essays in English for students and children about the topic of ‘Generation Gap’ in both long and short form. The first essay is a long essay on the Generation Gap of 400-500 words. This long essay about Generation Gap is suitable for students of class 7, 8, 9 and 10, and also for competitive exam aspirants. The second essay is a short essay on Generation Gap of 150-200 words. These are suitable for students and children in class 6 and below.

Long Essay on Generation Gap 500 Words in English

Below we have given a long essay on Generation Gap of 500 words is helpful for classes 7, 8, 9 and 10 and Competitive Exam Aspirants. This long essay on the topic is suitable for students of class 7 to class 10, and also for competitive exam aspirants.

Generation gap is an everlasting social phenomenon. Every generation lives at a certain time under certain condition. So, different generations have their own system of values and views. And every side wants to uphold the principles they believe in.

We can find a lot of examples in literature such as ‘Fathers and Sons’ novel by Ivan Turgenev and ‘Woe from Wit’ by Alexander Griboyedov or taking other set of examples of popular movies like ‘Baghban’, ‘Ek Rishta’ etc. This problem has remained unresolved throughout ages.

The gap between the old people and the young is called generation gap. It is the difference in attitude or lack of understanding between younger and older generation. This generation gap has always been there, but these days it has reached an explosive stage. The values and patterns of life have changed to a great extent. Today, everybody likes to live and behave in his own way. This attitude has enlarged the generation gap, which is becoming wider day by day.

It is now disrupting the family life completely. The elders look after the children and make all sorts of sacrifices to bring them up. Parents want children to follow their instructions as they believe it is for the benefit of children and would do them good. On the other hand, children face immense pressure of exams and cut-throat competition, and think that parents know nothing about the demands of this fast paced world. In the end, despite love and affection for each other, both are drained of energy and are unable to comprehend the other. Consequently, there is lack of communication between the two, that with time, develops into a larger rift. George Orwell, a famous novelist quotes

“Each generation imagines itself to be more intelligent than the one that went before it and wiser than the one that comes after it.”

Elaboration to this quote is that one generation believes the following generation is missing essential values and belief, and is becoming less productive over time. Psychologists believe that most young people experience conflict during their adolescence. They are neither children anymore nor yet adults, but individuals, who are desperately searching for self-identity. As they grow up, they adopt values that differ from those held by their parents and develop an unfavourable attitude towards the adult world.

In earlier times, two or three generations lived in the same lifestyle and environment as the development was very slow. But today, nearest past is very much outdated and the world is more advanced each day. Parents do not even know many of the modern technologies and equipment children use. Conflicts actually arise because young people feel that they have a right to be independent. They look at parents as ‘enemies’ who do not let them live the way they want like by staying out late, wearing fashionable clothes or choosing their own friends. What makes things even worse is that teenagers suffer a sense of incapability and rage as they realise that financially they still depend on their parents.

Unlike West, in India, this problem is yet in the initial stages, but the gap has appeared and it is going to grow bigger day by day. “If you want happiness for a lifetime help the next generation”, says a Chinese proverb. So, it is not only the responsibility of the younger generation, but also of the elders to fill this gap with their love, affection and trust. The problem, in fact, has grown and intensified due to rise in complexities of modern life.

These complexities have arisen in the wake of modernism as faster industrialisation with increasing population has led to greater competition. The problem arises when parents begin to take things too seriously and forget that as children they had themselves loved adventure and freedom. On the other hand, children too are in the blind race of enjoying life and following their friends.

Short Essay on Generation Gap 200 Words in English

Below we have given a short essay on Generation Gap is for Classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This short essay on the topic is suitable for students of class 6 and below.

Whether, it is health, political, social or cultural issues, it seems the older generation always forgets they were disobedient and rebellious too, in their youth. History is a proof which shows that time and again, modern thought process of the youth has brought a revolutionary change in society. This change has primarily helped the growth of human race altogether. In India’s context, they include abolition of Sati System, equality of sexes, rising above the shackles of caste system, among many others.

Evidently, grandparents can play a constructive role in order to bridge the gap of thought, attitude and approaches to life. Generation gap would not be that serious a problem if families learn to sit over dinner and amicably settle things by ironing out differences and sharing experiences. When this communication barrier is transcended and the ice broken, the problem does not remain that serious anymore. Talking it out calmly and coolly, with the idea of sorting things out, changing for each other and changing for better can be the most helpful instrument in bridging the generation gap.

Family outings, vacations, tours, picnic-outings could be effective ways to initiate intimacy between parents and children. Watching movies and discussing them, putting forth different viewpoints can be a beginning to inculcate the habit of a healthy dialogue between members of the family. Such small things and steps can do wonders in initiating a healthy family atmosphere and reducing friction between two generations that are both right from their perspectives. Their only folly is that they are viewing the same thing from opposite directions. Age, time and experience or the lack of it, forces them to do so.

Generation Gap Essay Word Meanings for Simple Understanding

• Unresolved – unsettled, unanswered, in doubt
• Disrupting – disturbing, distracting, unsettling
• Drained – exhausted, empty, run-off
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Essay on Generation Gap for Students in 1000 Words

In this article, we have published an Essay on Generation Gap for Students in 1000 words. It includes origin, various changes, generation gap indicators, how to solve this problem?

Table of Contents

Introduction

A generation gap happens when there is a noticeable difference in age (an entire generation) between two people. It often becomes a cause of conflict between parents and children. The generation gap is explained as the difference between views and ideologies between people belonging to two different generations. It can be a difference in political opinions, religious beliefs, or general attitude towards life.

Origin of Generation Gap

Generation gap – an interesting concept.

The generation gap is usually the cause of conflict between children and their parents. It is a fascinating concept. If there were no such difference in the world, then the world would have been quite different. Each generation establishes its fashion trends, talks in its preferred language, accelerates the development of science and technology and discovers new inventions.

Changes Due To Generation Gap

Nowadays, people need privacy and want to live their life in their way, but the joint family practice is the main obstacle. In this way, many people are living separate families. Similarly, many changes occurring at different levels of society are the result of the generation gap.

Generation Gap Indicators

1. family system, 2. languages.

Hindi spoken by people before pre-independence is quite different from today’s Hindi language and this change did not come suddenly. This change came into presence from generation to generation. Each generation creates a distinct identity of its style. This change in form consistently makes conversation between people belonging to different ages at home as well as the workplace sometimes tricky.

Attitude at Work

Behavior towards women, generation classification.

It has been seen that different generations of people behave differently in different situations. Generations have been categorized into various names based on their attitudes, beliefs, opinions and all beliefs. The extension of this classification is as follows:

Conservative

Generation x, generation y.

It is a society of people born between 1980 and 1999. Most of them have just entered the working age. This group is interested in engaging in meaningful work and is also forward in giving their feedback towards their work.

How To Fill This Gap?

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Generation Gap Essay | Causes and Consequences | PDF Download

December 7, 2017 by Study Mentor Leave a Comment

It is fashionable to talk about yawning generation gap in the modern world. But what does ‘generation gap’ mean anyway? It means the gap between one generation and the next, between the old generation and the younger.

This gap has always been there through all the previous centuries and the gap, as such is neither unexpected nor desirable. What surprises us today is the width of the gap: it is far wider than it has ever been and far more difficult to bridge.

Generation gap brings about a change (or a development) in the thoughts and actions of the people of the later generation from the previous generation. It also brings about a change in ways and means of living, in dressing and even in speech.

 A gap denotes distance and indeed, the older generation in today’s world stands far apart from the younger one in many respects and vice versa. The older men dress differently, eat traditional food, believe in an accepted code of conduct, and cherish values which have no meaning for the younger people. In fact, many activities of the younger men amaze their parents and parent-surrogates, even shock them.

A denim and jean-clad boy romps about with a girl-friend in tow. He drinks campa-cola and dances exotic dances. He sings pop-songs of the western variety and does not care for his rich national heritage. The boy we are talking about is an Indian boy and his girl-friend has the same way of living. They are very well- informed but they do not seem to go deep into things.

They live smartly, even dangerously. And to have a taste of dangerous living by proxy, they read Hadley Chase’s adventure stories with extraordinary zeal. The older people can hardly appreciate all that they do. The sentiments and altitudes of these two classes of men are mutually unintelligible. As a result, they misunderstand one another, and more often than not get wounded by one another’s gestures.

But should generation gap be taken negatively always? Doesn’t it have a positive prospect? Well, it does have many positive spheres as well

With the advent of technology the distance between generations have increased more and more. Compare an old Rolls Royce to a modern day jaguar. The differences are not shocking.

Compare an olden day cooking oven to a modern day multi- utility cooking kitchen top. Compare a bell-bots to a modern day cargo. Differences far and wide.

But thinking of differences we can proudly state that if generation gap hadn’t been there, we wouldn’t have been what we are now. Why?

Think about computers. Now think about a world without computers? Impossible right? Computers are the greatest gifts that modern world had offered us. Whatever the old uncles may say about the nostalgia of watching cricket on an old black and white television set. There is no comparison when it comes to watching movies with the high -end graphics and digital surround sound.

The eyebrows of even the oldest of the old people go up when they see the advancement the little generation gap has made.

But with generation gap comes another factor and that is freedom. With generation gap comes more versatility and thoughts and gestures. People are becoming more broad minded and frank. This creates a matter of great objection to the people who believe that newer generation are actually disrespecting traditions and rituals by becoming more flexible in the customs and thoughts.

Compared to boys, society has more problems with girls when it comes to freedom. If a girl dresses independently of her choice then she becomes a topic of great interest and introspection.

There have been certain rules set in the society for dress code. In a family gathering you always have to wear a traditional cloth: on sea beaches girls shouldn’t get wet, if they do it is considered uncultured. Often the basis of these norms is questionable.

Why do we have to wear formals in a gathering? Why not an outfit in which i am most comfortable in? For this reason certain fashion designers have come up with an innovation called “fusion wear”. It is a mix of both traditional as well as casual wear. Nevertheless this form of dressing had also faced a lot of criticism.

With generation gap came another factor which still is a topic of hot discussion and that is the choice of music. Older generations still believe that newer generation listens to what is called ‘noise’ and not music. Yes, there are evergreen gems whose place is cannot be taken by anybody. Nobody can forget the charm of music made by the ‘ battles’ or ‘elvis pristley’ or ‘john Lennon’

But who said that the music made by today’s generations is bad? The famous songs of ‘shakira’, ‘Jennifer Lopez’ and ‘Michael Jackson’ are still rocking the charts far and wide. Their melodies are heard all over the world. Would it have been possible is their music was ‘noise’?

The fact is that we take time to get used to change. Whatever is new in the market we discard it thinking that it might be bad since it is new. We don’t want to experiment. This is why the generation gap has increased to such an extent that it is difficult to bridge.

Table of Contents

The major concept lies in acceptance, adjustments and tolerance. There has to be a difference between the oldest member of a family and the youngest member of the family. The world has made them so. Their difference is not in their hands. But the fact lies in acceptance.

The family members have to accept their differences as well as them themselves, instead of fighting with each other trying to correct each other.

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Old Versus Young: The Cultural Generation Gap

Younger, more diverse generations promise to change all aspects of American society.

In this Issue:

• Winter 2018 View All Other Issues
• Generations: People are living and working longer—changing the world
• Six Generations Moving Forward Together
• Crunch: Definining Generations
• Foreword: How Are Generations Named?
• The Generation Gap
• Getting More From a Longer Life
• Five Questions: Teaching the Next Generation
• Lessons From the Greatest Generation
• As the World Ages
• Generation X and the American Dream
• Millennials Aren’t Kids Anymore
• View All Other Issues

If demography is destiny, the United States—much more than its peers—is on the cusp of great change. That change is due to a deep cultural generation gap at play, which will alter all aspects of American society within the coming decade.

Driving this generational gap is a “diversity explosion” in the United States, which began in 2011 when, for the first time in the history of the country, more minority babies than white babies were born in a year. Soon, most children in the U.S. will be racial minorities: Hispanics, blacks, Asians, and other nonwhite races. And, in about three decades, whites will constitute a minority of all Americans. This milestone signals the beginning of a transformation from the mostly white baby-boom culture that dominated the nation during the last half of the 20th century to the more globalized, multiracial country that the United States is becoming.   

As the younger, more diverse part of the population reaches adulthood, clear gaps will develop between its economic interests and politics and those of the whiter, older generations . This divide will result in contests over local expenditures—for example, over whether to spend money on schools or senior health facilities—and those contests may evolve into culture clashes. Yet if demography is truly destiny, America's workforce, politics, and place on the world stage will soon be changed forever.

Data Points

America's “new minorities”—particularly Hispanics and Asians —are becoming an increasingly strong thread in the social fabric of the United States. While this has been growing clearer for some time, recent information from the census and elsewhere shows how quickly these minorities are transforming the character of the nation’s youth. Consider the change in the U.S. population under age 18 in the first decade of the 2000s: From 2000 to 2010, the population of white children declined by 4.3 million while the child population in each of the newer minority groups—Hispanics, Asians, and people of two or more races—increased. Hispanics registered the largest absolute increase in children , 4.8 million. Were it not for Hispanics, the nation’s child population would have declined. And in 2010, slightly more than half of children under age 5 were white, while the oldest age group—those 85 and older—was 85 percent white. This diversification of the U.S. population from the bottom up holds more than just demographic significance. It reflects an emerging cultural divide between the young and the old as they adapt to change in different ways. Different age groups represent different generations, which were raised and became adults in specific eras and may be more or less receptive to the cultural changes brought about by new racial groups. 

When viewed broadly, there is a sharp racial distinction between the baby boomers and their elders, and the younger generations—the millennials and young members of Generation X and their children, who constitute the population under the age of 35. Baby boomers and seniors are more than 70 percent white, with blacks representing the largest racial minority. In con-trast, millennials and young Gen Xers (largely under the age of 35) and their children are more than 40 percent minority, with Hispanics constituting the largest share of their minority population. A 2011 Pew Research Center poll shows that only 23 percent of baby boomers and seniors regard the country’s growing population of immigrants as a change for the better and that 42 percent see it as a change for the worse. More than one-half of white baby boomers and seniors said the growing number of newcomers from other countries represents a threat to traditional U.S. values and customs. 

The resistance of baby boomers to demographic change may seem surprising. This much-celebrated generation came to embody the image of middle America during the second half of the last century. Conceived during the prosperous post−World War II period, they brought a rebellious, progressive sensibility to the country in the 1960s, 1970s, and beyond. With the help of the programs of the Great Society, they became the most well-schooled generation to date and the epitome of America’s largely white, suburban middle class, with which most of today’s adults now identify. 

Yet the baby boomers also came of age at a moment when the United States was becoming more insular than it had been before. Growing up in mostly white, segregated suburbs, white baby boomers had less exposure to immigrants and foreign wars than their parents did. Between 1946 and 1964, the years of the baby boom, the immigrant share of the U.S. population shrank to an all-time low (under 5 percent), and the immigrants who did arrive were largely white Europeans. Although baby boomers were interested in righting domestic wrongs, such as racial discrimination, and busting glass ceilings in the workplace, they did not have much interaction with people from other countries. The cultural generation gap continues to appear when baby boomers and seniors are compared with the younger segment of the U.S. population, whose members are more likely to be first- or second-generation Americans of non-European ancestry and to be bilingual.

Between 1946 and 1964, the years of the baby boom, the immigrant share of the U.S. population shrank to an all-time low (under 5 percent), and the immigrants who did arrive were largely white Europeans.

Underpinning the generational divide are shifts in what demographers call old-age dependency (the population age 65 and over as a percent of the labor force–age population) and child dependency (the population under age 18 as a percent of the labor force–age population), which now have a distinct racial dimension. Both historically and internationally, the number of children dependent on the labor force–age population has been larger than the number of dependent retirees. However, in quickly aging countries where birth rates are declining and life expectancy is rising, seniors are increasing the numbers of the “dependent” population. That is of concern in the United States, given that government programs aiding the elderly, including those for medical care, cost substantially more than those aiding children. The cultural generation gap between the young and the old can exacerbate the competition for resources because the rise in the number of senior dependents is occurring more rapidly among whites than among minorities, for whom dependent children is a larger issue.

A look at the total U.S. population helps illustrate this. The growth of the senior population is affected by increased life expectancy and, more importantly, the aging of the baby boomers. From 2010 to 2030, the senior population is projected to grow by 84 percent. In contrast, the labor force–age population (ages 18 to 64) will grow by only 8 percent and the population under age 18 will grow by just 3 percent. Therefore, although new minorities and immigrants are driving the increases in the younger and labor force-age populations, the growth of the senior population is driven by the mostly white baby boomers. The dependency ratios show the shifts expected by 2040. Youth dependency was almost twice the level of old-age dependency in 2010 (38 versus 21) and will increase only slightly during the following three decades, while old-age dependency will rise by well over one-half—making seniors a substantial portion of the non-working-age population.

Yet this shift is far more dramatic for whites than for minorities. The comparison of dependen-cy ratios for whites and Hispanics shows their likely relative priorities with regard to spending on children versus seniors. For whites, youth dependency is lower than the U.S. total and is not much larger than white old-age dependency in 2010 (32 versus 26). In fact, by 2020, the old-age dependency ratio for whites will exceed the child dependency ratio, and for the two decades that follow, white seniors will outnumber white children. That stands in marked contrast to Hispanics, whose 2010 youth dependency ratio was 56 and whose old-age dependency ratio was only 9. Moreover, Hispanic youth dependency will remain well above 40 through 2040, even as the old-age dependency ratio inches up to 22. In other words, for at least the next three decades, Hispanic children will sharply outnumber Hispanic seniors. Although black and Asian youth dependency is not as marked as it is for Hispanics, it remains higher than senior dependency through at least 2030. Therefore there is no question that the primary concern of working-age Hispanics—and to a lesser extent Asians and blacks—will be their children rather than the older dependent population. For working-age whites, elderly dependents will be a primary concern as well as their own future well-being as they enter their retirement years. This demographic framework provides a concrete basis for considering the cultural generation gap and competition for government resources allocated to children and the elderly.

In discussing the long-term political ramifications of the generation gap, political writer Ronald Brownstein has framed it as a divide between “the gray and the brown,” wherein older whites, including aging baby boomers, favor smaller government investment in social support programs except for those, such as Social Security, that directly affect them. For these older voters, big government is associated with higher taxes, which primarily benefit younger demographic groups whose needs they do not fully appreciate. In contrast, surveys show that more diverse youth, particularly millennials, tend to support greater government spending on education, health, and social welfare programs that strongly affect young families and children. 

It is important for retiring baby boomers to understand that the solvency of government-supported retirement and medical care programs is directly dependent on the future productivity and payroll tax contributions of a workforce in which minorities, especially Hispanics, will dominate future growth. There is a well-recognized challenge in providing these future workers with the skills needed to make these contributions, and meeting that challenge requires public investment in education and related services. The dilemma, however, is that the largest government programs that directly benefit the elderly, such as Social Security and Medicare , are mostly financed by the federal government and are considered politically sacred by many. In contrast, programs for youth, such as education, are largely funded at the state and local levels and are far more vulnerable to economic downturns and budget cuts given that states, unlike the federal government, are required to balance their budgets annually. Therefore efforts to muster support for child-oriented programs require grassroots support across an often frag-mented political terrain. In the future, more young minorities will enter their prime voting years and both national political parties will need to balance the needs and concerns of new and old voters, particularly in regions of the country where the cultural generation gap is emerging.

"The cultural generation gap between the young and the old can exacerbate the competition for resources because the rise in the number of senior dependents is occurring more rapidly among whites than among minorities, for whom dependent children is a larger issue."

Although this gap is forming throughout the nation, the growth of the young new minority population and the steadier gains of the aging white population are occurring at different speeds in different regions. The most racially diverse and youthful populations are in states and met-ropolitan areas in the Southwest, Southeast, and major urban immigration centers where new minorities have had an established presence. A shorthand measure for what is happening in a state or metropolitan area is the difference between the percentage of seniors who are white and the percentage of children who are white. In 2010, 80 percent of the U.S. senior population and 54 percent of children were white, so the national gap was 26 percent. But among states, Arizona led the way, with a gap of 41 percent (83 percent of seniors and 42 percent of children were white). Nevada, California, New Mexico, Texas, and Florida were not far behind, with gap measures greater than 30. Among major metropolitan areas, the largest gaps were in Riverside, California; Phoenix; Las Vegas; and Dallas.

In contrast, large—mostly white—swaths of the country, including the noncoastal Northeast, Midwest, and Appalachia, are observing slow growth or even declines in their youth popula-tions while remaining home to large numbers of white baby boomers and seniors. The demo-graphic profiles of these regions, along with those of metropolitan areas such as Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, and St. Louis, will eventually converge with those of more diverse parts of the country. But in the interim, they will be adapting, often fitfully, to the changes occurring elsewhere. 

Still, the places where the cultural generation gap has generated the most contention are those where the gains in new minorities are large and recent. Arizona is emblematic because of its large gap and recent Hispanic growth of 175 percent from 1990 to 2010. In 2010, the state passed one of the strictest anti-immigration laws ever enacted, though it was later amended and portions of the law were struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court. Provisions included requirements that residents carry papers verifying their citizenship; if they did not, they would be subject to arrest, detention, and potential deportation. 

A statewide poll taken at the time split along racial lines: Sixty-five percent of whites but only 21 percent of Hispanics were in favor of the new law. Similarly, the law was favored by 62 percent of those 55 and older (across all races) but only 45 percent of those under 35. Later, other states with recent Hispanic or new immigrant population gains, including Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Utah, proposed similarly strict immigration laws. 

As young new minorities continue to disperse outward from traditional gateways, the cultural generation gap will appear in communities of all sizes, but it will be widest in states where the growth of young minorities is new and the racial demographic profile of the younger generation differs most from that of the older generation.

Thus, on a variety of levels, the continuing spread of new minorities from the bottom up of the nation’s age distribution creates important opportunities for the growth and productivity of the nation’s population and workforce. But that spread also presents challenges in light of the sharp cultural shift that is taking place. The divide will require adaptation on all sides, and policymakers and citizens alike will need to approach these changes with a long view. Rather than seeing the inevitable changes as damaging to the American way of life, it will behoove the nation to consider the future of the country and prepare now for a country that will be majority-minority. 

William H. Frey is a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and research professor with the Population Studies Center and Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan. He is author of Diversity Explosion: How New Racial Demographics Are Remaking America, from which this essay is adapted.

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Essay on Generation Gap in English for Children and Students

Table of Contents

Generation Gap Essay: Generation Gap occurs when there is a considerable difference of age (an entire generation) between two people. It often becomes a cause of conflict between parents and kids. Generation Gap is explained as the difference of ideologies and opinions between people belonging to two different generations. It may be a difference in the political views, religious beliefs or general attitude towards life.

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Long and Short Essay on Generation Gap in English

We have provided below, long and short essay on generation gap in English for your knowledge.

These Generation Gap Essay have been written effectively, to convey the right meaning of Generation Gap.

After going through the essays, you will better understand the ideological differences, between the two otherwise closely related generations.

The essays will also help you to strengthen your bond with either your succeeding or preceding generations.

Generation Gap Essay – 1 (200 words)

People born in different ages are different from each other in various aspects. The world is changing at a rapid pace and thus the difference between people born in different times is inevitable. For instance, if we talk about India, people born before independence are different from those born today. There is a huge difference between the thinking of the two generations and why not? There is a drastic difference between the whole cultural, economic and social environment the two have been a part of.

Generation gap is the term given to the difference between two generations. The society changes at a constant pace and hence the lifestyle, ideologies, opinions, beliefs and the overall behaviour of people also undergoes change with time. This change gives way to newer ideas and breaks the unreasonable stereotypes and this in turn has a positive impact on the society. However most of the times it becomes a cause of conflict between two generations.

The parent child relationship is often affected due to their generation gap. It has been observed that the parents try to impose their values and ideologies on their kids while the later want to explore the world on their own. Many relationships have suffered due to generation gap. Several parents and children have conflicts because of their difference of opinions which they must understand is natural as there is a generation gap between them.

Generation Gap Essay – 2 (300 words)

Introduction

Generation Gap is referred to as the difference of beliefs and ideas between people from different generations. This is a common phenomenon and has continued for ages. The term is often used to state the difference of opinions between children and parents or grandparents.

Origin of the Term – Generation Gap

The theory of generation gap was introduced in the year 1960s. Around this time it was observed that the younger generation questioned and went against almost everything their parents believed. This included their religious beliefs, political views, moral values, relationship advice and even the type of music and shows they prefer. Noted sociologists such as Karl Mannheim observed the differences across generations and how generations separated themselves from each other in different situations.

Generation Gap – An Interesting Concept

While generation gap is usually a cause of conflict between the children and their parents, it is actually an interesting concept. The world would have actually been quite dull if it had not been for this gap. Each generation sets its own fashion trends, introduces its own slangs, influences the development of science and technology and comes up with fresh ideas and so on.

Generation gap has led to several changes in the society especially in India where the joint family system was prevalent since ages. The concept of nuclear families has been introduced in India off late and this is also a result of the generation gap. People these days crave for privacy and want to lead their life their own way and the joint family system is a hindrance to it. Many people are thus going for nuclear families. Similarly, many changes happening at various levels in the society are a result of the generation gap.

As is the case with almost everything/concept on earth, generation gap also has its own sets of pros and cons. There is a need for developing understanding and acceptance in order to bridge this gap.

Generation Gap Essay – 3 (400 words)

The fields of science and technology are constantly evolving and so is the way of living of the people, their beliefs, notions and their overall behaviour. Thus, people belonging to different generations behave differently and have their own set of ideologies which is referred to as generation gap.

How is the Generation Gap Evident?

The people belonging to different generations have been given different names for instance those born before independence have been termed as the Traditionalists, the generation after that is called the Baby Boomers, those born between 1965 and 1980 are called Generation X and those born between 1980 and 1999 are known as the Generation Y. There are a few things that clearly show the gap between these generations. Here is a look at the same:

• Family System

People belonging to the older generations lived in a joint family system and believed in sharing and caring. However, this concept has deteriorated over the generations. The current generation wants freedom and there is hardly anyone who follows the traditional way of living in the joint families. The overall lifestyle of people has changed drastically.

The Hindi spoken by people belonging to the pre-independence era is quite different from that being spoken today and the change did not occur all of a sudden it occurred over a period of time – generation after generation. Each generation adopts a new group of slangs thereby creating some division from the earlier one. Communication between people belonging to different generations at home as well as workplace sometimes becomes quite difficult due to this change in language.

• Workplace Attitude

While people belonging to the earlier generations were good at taking directions and were loyal to a single employer, people these days get bored quite quickly and seek new jobs within a few years or at times even months of getting a job. The Gen Y people are innovative and want to share and implement their own unique ideas rather than blindly taking directions from their boss.

• Attitude towards Women

Women belonging to the older generations were mostly confined to home. They were only seen as someone who should take care of the house, going out and working was the thing of the men of the house. However, society’s attitude towards women has changed over the generations. Today, women are allowed to enter any field of their choice and work just as men.

People belonging to one generation are very different from the other which is natural. However, the problem arises when people from different generations try to impose their ideas and beliefs on the other while totally condemning that of the others’.

Generation Gap Essay – 4 (500 words)

Generation gap is basically the gap between different generations. The theory of generation gap launched in the 1960’s states that the younger generation is always seen questioning and challenging the ideas, viewpoint and beliefs of the older generations.

Classification of Generations

It has been observed that people from different generations behave differently in any given situation. Based on their point of view, beliefs, ideas, and over all behaviour generations have been classified into different categories. Here is a look at this classification in detail:

The Traditionalists

The Baby Boomers

• The Generation X Group
• The Generation Y Group

Here is a brief about each of these generations:

These people belong to the group that was born before 1946 and are now above 70 years of age. These are said to be the ones who take orders well and get satisfaction when a job is accomplished efficiently. They love sharing their experiences with the younger generations and like to be around people who appreciate their knowledge and experience. They are known to be loyal to a single employer. Most of them spend their entire life working for the same organization and look forward to the same loyalty in return.

These people were born between 1946 and 1965. People from this generation are hard working but mostly not open to feedbacks. They want monetary rewards as well as promotions. Since most of them did not grow up in luxury, they make sure their children have everything they want. They also have an urge to feel appreciated. They want their employers and children to tell them that they are valued and needed. A lack of the same creates dissatisfaction among them.

The Generation X

People belonging to this generation were born between 1965 and 1980. Generation X wants their space. The best reward for them is in the form of time off. They want to do things their own way and don’t like going by any rules. They want to be told that they can do things the way they want. Most of these people saw both their parents working and the impact it had on them was not good. Hence, they give preference to their family life over their job. This generation is known to have pushed for flexible working hours.

The Generation Y

This is the group of people born between 1981 and 1999. Most of them have just entered the workforce. This group is interested in indulging into meaningful work and also looks forward to quick feedback. People from this generation are quite creative. They like working with creative individuals and at places where they are allowed to explore their creativity. This is a source of motivation for them and keeps them alive. This is also a generation that tends to get bored very quickly. Unlike the traditionalists, they change their jobs quite frequently.

The human race is constantly evolving and hence there is a change in the ideologies of people belonging to different generations. While it is completely alright to have an opinion different from the other however it should never turn into a cause of conflict.

Generation Gap Essay – 5 (600 words)

Generation gap is a natural phenomenon. The studies conducted in this direction state how one generation is bound to be different from the other. It is something that comes naturally to them and it is in a way a good thing as this is how the human species is evolving.

Generation Gap – Impact on Relations

Fresh ideas and view points are always good. This is how the world around us evolves at different levels. However, the difference of opinions and ideas between two generations, especially parents and children, often becomes a point of clash. This clash has resulted in numerous strained relationships.

Parents have huge expectations from their kids. They have a set image of how their child should behave based on their tradition, values as well as the way the other kids in their extended family are doing. They think they know best about how and what their kids should do in life. Now, the problem arises when the child has a different bent of mind (which happens in most of the cases). This is when the conflict begins. This is not to say that the parents are absolutely wrong each time. They are elders and are certainly a great guidance and at times take the right decision for their kids. However, the younger generation seldom understands this. It is sad how generation gap has been a cause of numerous estranged relationships.

How to Bridge the Gap?

Parent-child relationship is the most beautiful relationship in the world. It should be nurtured with love and handled with care. It is unfortunate to see how these relationships are strained at the hands of something as trivial as difference in opinion.

It is seen that the older generation always claims to be a better judge and a better decision maker and the younger generation is often made to feel like the culprit. It is time to understand that neither is completely wrong or completely right in what they do. In fact, the definition of right and wrong in this case is different for different generations. There is a need for acceptance and understanding here.

People from the older generation must understand that their children are born in a different age and hence their mindset is different from them. Parents and grandparents need to pay attention to why their children are behaving in the way they are behaving and as to why they have an opinion different from them rather than blindly imposing their rules and ideas on the later.

Parents must become friends with their children to understand their psyche. Children, on the other hand, must respect their parents. They must trust their parents and share their thoughts with them. Children must be open to feedback and understand that the advice coming from their parents is not wrong. It will only help them progress in life.

Parents must not judge their children and allow them the space to do things on their own rather than poking in everything. While parents give their children space, they must define certain boundaries that the later should respect the same. Two-way communication is the basis of a strong relationship and both parents and children must ensure they maintain the same. Any issues must be discussed and both the parties must try to understand each other’s point of view rather than debating against it.

Generation gap occurs because the world is constantly changing. It should be understood that people born in different ages are bound to be different from one another. People must respect each other for their individuality rather than imposing their ideas and beliefs on each other.

Related Information:

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Article Contents

What has changed in parents’ ties to young adults, why parent/offspring ties have changed, implications of changes in young adulthood for midlife parents’ well-being, future consequences of today’s young adulthood for parents entering late life, directions for future research and conclusions, conflict of interest, acknowledgments.

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Millennials and Their Parents: Implications of the New Young Adulthood for Midlife Adults

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Karen L Fingerman, Millennials and Their Parents: Implications of the New Young Adulthood for Midlife Adults, Innovation in Aging , Volume 1, Issue 3, November 2017, igx026, https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igx026

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The period of young adulthood has transformed dramatically over the past few decades. Today, scholars refer to “emerging adulthood” and “transitions to adulthood” to describe adults in their 20s. Prolonged youth has brought concomitant prolonged parenthood. This article addresses 3 areas of change in parent/child ties, increased (a) contact between generations, (b) support from parents to grown children as well as coresidence and (c) affection between the generations. We apply the Multidimensional Intergenerational Support Model (MISM) to explain these changes, considering societal (e.g., economic, technological), cultural, family demographic (e.g., fertility, stepparenting), relationship, and psychological (normative beliefs, affection) factors. Several theoretical perspectives (e.g., life course theory, family systems theory) suggest that these changes may have implications for the midlife parents’ well-being. For example, parents may incur deleterious effects from (a) grown children’s problems or (b) their own normative beliefs that offspring should be independent. Parents may benefit via opportunities for generativity with young adult offspring. Furthermore, current patterns may affect future parental aging. As parents incur declines of late life, they may be able to turn to caregivers with whom they have intimate bonds. Alternately, parents may be less able to obtain such care due to demographic changes involving grown children raising their own children later or who have never fully launched. It is important to consider shifts in the nature of young adulthood to prepare for midlife parents’ future aging.

Clinicians will be able to help normalize situations when midlife parents are upset due to involvement with their young adult children. Policy makers may be able to foresee and plan for future issues involving aging parents and midlife children.

Young adulthood has changed dramatically since the middle of the 20th century. Research over the past two decades has documented this restructuring, relabeling the late teens and 20s under the auspices of “transitions to adulthood” or “emerging adulthood” ( Arnett, 2000 ; Furstenberg, 2010 ). As such, the life stage from ages 18 to 30 has shifted from being clearly ensconced in adulthood, to an interim period marked by considerable heterogeneity. Historically, young people also took circuitous paths in their careers and love interests ( Keniston, 1970 ; Mintz, 2015 ), but a recent U.S. Census report shows that young people today are less likely to achieve traditional markers of adulthood such as completion of education, marriage, moving out of the parental home or securing a job with a livable wage as they did in the mid to late twentieth century ( Vespa, 2017 ). Individuals who achieve such markers do so at later ages, and patterns vary by socioeconomic background ( Furstenberg, 2010 ).

Much of the research regarding this stage of life has focused on antecedents of young adult pathways or implications of different transitions for the young adults’ well-being ( Schulenberg & Schoon, 2012 ). Yet, the prolongation of entry into adulthood involves a concomitant prolongation of midlife parenthood; implications of parenting young adult offspring remain poorly understood. This article focuses on midlife parents’ involvement with grown children from the parents’ perspective (and does not address implications for grown children).

Several theoretical perspectives suggest that parents will be affected by changes in the nature of young adulthood. The life course theory concept “linked lives” suggests that events in one party’s life influence their close relationship partners’ lives. Family systems theory posits that changes in one family member’s life circumstances will reverberate throughout the family, even when children are grown ( Fingerman & Bermann, 2000 ). Further, the developmental stake hypothesis suggests that parents’ high investment and involvement with young adult children may generate both a current and a longer term impact on parental well-being ( Birditt, Hartnett, Fingerman, Zarit, & Antonucci, 2015 ). These theories collectively suggest that events in young adults’ lives may reverberate through their parents’ lives.

As such, this article addresses changes that midlife parents experience stemming from shifts in young adulthood. Specifically it describes (a) what has changed in ties between midlife parents and young adults over the past two decades, (b) why these changes have occurred, and (c) the implications of these changes for parents’ well-being currently in midlife, and in the future if they incur physical declines, cognitive deficits, or social losses associated with late life.

Parental involvement with young adult children has increased dramatically over the past few decades. Notably, there has been an increase in parents’ contact with, support of, coresidence, and intimacy with young adult children ( Arnett & Schwab, 2012a ; Fingerman, 2016 ; Fingerman, Miller, Birditt, & Zarit, 2009 ; Fry, 2016 ; Johnson, 2013 ).

Parental Contact With Young Adult Children

Parents have more frequent contact with their young adult children than was the case thirty years ago. Research using national US data from the mid to late twentieth century revealed that only half of parents reported contact with a grown child at least once a week ( Fingerman, Cheng, Tighe, Birditt, & Zarit, 2012 ). Because most parents have more than one grown child, by inference many grown children had even less frequent contact with their parents. Recent studies in the twenty-first century, however, found that nearly all parents had contact with a grown child in the past week, and over half of parents had contact with a grown child everyday ( Arnett & Schwab, 2012b ; Fingerman, et al., 2016 ).

It would be remiss to imply that all midlife parents have frequent contact with their grown children, however, because a small group shows the opposite trend. From the child’s perspective, national data reveal 20% of young adults lack contact with a father, and 6.5% lack contact with a mother figure in the United States ( Hartnett, Fingerman, & Birditt, 2017 ). Similarly, research examining Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) young adults suggests that some parents reject grown children who declare a minority sexuality or gender identity, but this appears to be a relatively rare occurrence. Instead, a representative survey found that LGBT young adults choose whether to come out to parents; only 56% had told their mother and only 39% had told their father ( Pew Research Center, 2013 ). As such, it seems that LGBT young adults who are likely to be rejected by parents may decide not to tell them about their sexuality. Death accounted for some of the lack of parents (4% of young adults lack a father due to death and 3% lack a mother). Rather, divorce, incarceration, and other factors such as addiction or earlier placement in foster care may account for estrangement from a parent figure ( Hartnett et al., 2017 ). Of course, estrangement may be different from the parents’ perspective. For example, one study of aging mothers found that 11% of aging mothers reported being estranged from one child ( Gilligan, Suitor, & Pillemer, 2015 ), but these mothers rarely reported being estranged from all of their children. Nevertheless, a significant subgroup of parents may be excluded from increased involvement described here for other parents.

Parental Support of Young Adult Children

Parents also give more support to grown children, on average, than parents gave in the recent past. Across social strata, parents provide approximately 10% of their income to young adult children, a shift from the late twentieth century (Kornich & Furstenberg, 2013). From the 1970s through the 1990s, parents spent the most money on children during the teenage years. But since 2000, parents across economic strata have spent the most money on children under age 6 or young adult children over the age of 18 (Kornich & Furstenberg, 2013). Indeed, some scholars have suggested that over a third of the financial costs of parenting occur after children are age 18 ( Mintz, 2015 ).

The amount of financial support parents provide varies by the parents’ and grown child’s SES, however. Parents from higher socioeconomic strata provide more financial assistance to adult children ( Fingerman et al., 2015 ; Grundy, 2005 ). This pattern is not limited to the United States; better off parents invest money in young adult offspring who are pursuing education or who have not yet secured steady employment in most industrialized nations ( Albertini & Kohli, 2012 ; Fingerman et al., 2016 ; Swartz, Kim, Uno, Mortimer, & O’Brien, 2011 ). Yet, this pattern may perpetuate socioeconomic inequalities in the United States, rendering lower SES parents more likely to have lower SES grown children ( Torche, 2015 ).

In addition to financial support, many parents devote time to grown children (e.g., giving practical or emotional support; Fingerman et al., 2009 ). Young people face considerable demands gaining a foothold in the adult world (e.g., education, jobs, evolving romantic ties; Furstenberg, 2010 ). In response, parents may offer adult offspring help by making doctor’s appointments, or giving advice and emotional support at a distance, using phone, video technologies, text messages, or email.

Such nonmaterial support may stem from early life patterns. In early life, parenting has become more time intensive over the past few decades, particularly among upper SES parents ( Bianchi & Milkie, 2010 ). Lower SES parents may work multiple jobs or face constraints (e.g., rigid work hours, multiple shifts) that preclude intensive parenting more typical in upper SES families ( Conger, Conger, & Martin, 2010 ). It is not clear whether such differences in time persist in adulthood.

Rather, the types of nonmaterial support may differ by SES. Research suggests better off parents are more likely to give information and to spend time listening to grown children, and less well-off parents provide more childcare (i.e., for their grandchildren; Fingerman et al., 2015 ; Henretta, Grundy, & Harris, 2002 ). Grown children in better off families are more likely to pursue higher education, and student status is strongly associated with parental support (including time as well as money) throughout the world ( Fingerman et al., 2016 ; Henretta, Wolf, van Voorhis, & Soldo, 2012 ). Yet, less well-off parents are more likely to coreside with a grown child.

Nevertheless, research suggests that across SES strata, midlife parents attempt to support grown children in need. A recent study found that overall, lower SES parents gave as much or more support than upper SES parents, but lower SES young adult children were still likely to receive less support on average (i.e., due to greater needs across multiple family members in lower SES families; Fingerman et al., 2015 ).

Parental Coresidence With Young Adult Children

Coresidence could be conceptualized as a form of support from parents to grown children; grown children who reside with parents save money and may receive advice, food, childcare or other forms of everyday support. In industrialized nations, rates of intergenerational coresidence have risen in the past few decades. In the United States in 2015, intergenerational coresidence became the modal residential pattern for adults aged 18 to 34, surpassing residing with romantic partners for the first time ( Fry, 2015 , 2016 ). Rates of coresidence have increased in many European countries as well in the past 30 years, though rates vary by country. Coresidence is common in Southern European nations (e.g., 73% of adults aged 18 to 34 lived with parents in Italy in 2007), but relatively rare in Nordic nations (e.g., 21% of young adults lived with parents in Finland in 2007). Coresidence rates in Southern European countries evolved from historical patterns, but also reflect an increase over the past 40 years. For example, in Spain in 1977, fewer than half of young adults remained in the parents’ home, but by the early 21st century over two-thirds of young adults did ( Newman, 2011 ). Coresidence appears to be an extension of the increased involvement between adults and parents (as well as reflecting offspring’s economic needs).

Parental Affection, Solidarity, and Ambivalence Towards Young Adult Children

In general, affection between young adults and parents seems to be increasing in the twenty-first century as well. It is not possible to objectively document changes in the strength of emotional bonds due to measurement issues and ceiling effects—most people have reported close ties to parents or grown children across the decades. Still, it seems intergenerational intimacy is on the rise. In the 20th century in Western societies, marriage was the primary tie. Yet, over 15 years ago, Bengtson (2001) speculated that the prominence of multigenerational ties would rise in the 21st century due to changes in family structure (e.g., dissolution of romantic bonds) and longevity (e.g., generations sharing more years together). Bengtson’s predictions seem to be coming to fruition.

Increases in midlife parents’ affection for young adult children would be consistent with a rise in intergenerational solidarity. Intergenerational solidarity theory was developed in the 20th century to explain strengths in intergenerational bonds ( Bengtson, 2001 ; Lowenstein, 2007 ). Solidarity theory is mechanistic in nature, suggesting that positive features of relationships (e.g., contact, support, shared values, affection) co-occur like intertwining gears. In this regard, we might conceptualize the overall increase in parental involvement as increased intergenerational solidarity.

It is less clear whether conflictual or negative aspects of the relationship have changed in the past few decades. It was only towards the end of the 20th century that researchers began to measure ambivalence (mixed feelings) or conflict in this tie ( Fingerman, 2001 ; Luescher & Pillemer, 1998 ; Pillemer et al., 2007 ; Suitor, Gilligan, & Pillemer, 2014 ). As such, it is difficult to track changes in ambivalence across the decades. Nevertheless, one study found that midlife adults experienced greater ambivalence or negative feelings for their young adult children than for their aging parents ( Birditt et al., 2015 ), suggesting the parent/child tie may have shifted towards greater ambivalence in that younger generation.

Indeed, scholars have argued that ambivalence arises when norms are contradictory, such as the norm for autonomy versus the norm of dependence for adult offspring ( Luescher & Pillemer, 1998 ). And as I discuss, norms for autonomy contrast current interdependence in this tie, providing fodder for ambivalence. Moreover, frequent contact provides more opportunity for conflicts to arise ( van Gaalen & Dykstra, 2010 ). Taken together, these trends suggest that intergenerational ambivalence between midlife parents and grown children also may be on the rise.

The Multidimensional Intergenerational Support Model (MISM) provides a framework to explain behaviors in parent/child ties. The model initially pertained to patterns of exchange between generations, but extends to a broader understanding of increased parental involvement. Drawing on life course theory and other socio-contextual theories, the basic premise of the MISM model is that structural factors (e.g., economy, technology, policy), culture (norms), family structure (e.g., married/remarried), and relationship and individual (e.g., affection, gender) factors coalesce to generate behaviors in intergenerational ties ( Figure 1 .) Likewise, changes in the parent/child tie and the reasons underlying those changes reflect such factors.

Multidimension intergenerational involvement model.

MISM is truly intended as a framework for stipulating the types of factors that contribute to parents’ and grown children’s relationship behaviors rather than a model of causal influences. Scholars interested in ecological contexts of human development have often designated hierarchies or embedding of different types of contexts (e.g., family subsumed in economy; Bronfenbrenner & Morris, 2006 ; Elder, 1998 ). Intuitively, young adults’ and midlife parents’ relationships do respond to economic factors, with the Great Recession partially instigating the increase in coresidence ( Fry, 2015 ). Yet, economies arise in part from families and culture as well; in Western democracies, policies, and politicians are a reflection of underlying beliefs and values of the people who vote (as post-election dissection of Presidential voting in the United States suggests). As such, I propose that each of these levels—structural (e.g., economy, policy), cultural (beliefs, social position), family (e.g., married parents/single parent), and relationship or individual factors contribute to midlife parents’ involvement with grown children without implying a hierarchy of influence among the factors. As discussed later, a second aspect of Figure 1 pertains to understanding how parent/child involvement is associated with parental well-being.

Societal Shifts Associated With Changes Between Parents and Young Adults

Economic factors.

Economic changes in the past 40 years weigh heavily on the parent/child tie. Young adults’ dependence on parents reflects complexities of gaining an economic foothold in adulthood. The U.S. Census shows that financial independence is rare for young people today. Compared to their mid twentieth century counterparts, young people today are more likely to fall at the bottom of the economic ladder with low wage jobs. In 1975, fewer than 25% of young adults fell in the bottom of the economic ladder (i.e., less than $30,000 a year in 2015 dollars), but by 2016, 41% did ( Vespa, 2017 ).

Further, roughly one in four young adults who live with their parents in the United States (i.e., 32% who live with parents; Fry, 2016 ) are not working or attending school ( Vespa, 2017 ). These 8% of young adults might reside with parents while raising young children of their own. But notably, the rate of young women who were homemakers fell from 43% in 1975 to just 14% in 2016 ( Vespa, 2017 ) and as I discuss later, fertility has also dropped in this age group ( World Bank, 2017a ). Moreover, a large proportion of young adults who live with parents have a disability of some sort (10%; Vespa, 2017 ). Thus, factors other than childrearing such as disability, addiction, or life problems seem more likely to account for the 2.2 million 25–34 year olds residing with parents not engaged in work or education.

Moreover, the shift toward coresidence with parents is not purely economic—one can imagine a society where young people turn to friends, siblings, or early romantic partnership to deal with a tough economy. Thus, other factors also contribute to these patterns.

Public policies

Public policies play a strong role in shaping relationships between adults and parents in European countries, but may play a lesser role in shaping these ties in the United States. In European countries, the government provides health coverage and long-term care, and government investments in older adults result in transfers of wealth to their middle generation progeny ( Kohli, 1999 ). Similar processes occur with regard to midlife parents and young adults in Europe. Differences in programs to support young adults in Nordic countries versus Southern European countries are associated with the type of welfare state; that is, social democratic welfare regimes assist young adults in Nordic countries towards autonomy, whereas conservative continental or familistic welfare regimes encourage greater dependence on families in southern Europe ( Billari, 2004 ). The coresidence patterns described previously conform to the type of regime. As such, patterns of parental involvement in Europe seem to be associated with government programs.

These patterns are less clear in the United States. Indeed, lack of government support for young adults may help explain many aspects of the intensified bonds. For example, as college tuition has increased and state and federal funding of education has decreased, parents have stepped in to provide financial help or co-sign loans for young adult students. When U.S. policies do address young adults, the policies seem to be popular. For example, in 2017, when the U.S. Congress debated repealing the Affordable Care Act (i.e., Obamacare), there was bipartisan support for allowing parents to retain grown children on their health insurance until age 26, even if these young adults were not students. This policy, instigated in 2011, seemed to be a reaction to the greater involvement of parents in supporting young adults rather than a catalyst of such involvement.

Related to economic changes, a global rise in parental support of young adults may partially reflect the prolonged tertiary education that has occurred throughout the world (i.e., rates of college attendance have risen worldwide; OECD, 2016 ). In the United States, in 2016, 40% of adults aged 18–24 were pursuing higher education ( National Center for Education Statistics, 2017 ), the highest rate observed historically. Similarly, in industrialized nations, young adults are more likely to attend college today than in the past (Fingerman, Cheng, et al., 2016 ).

The influence of education on parental involvement has been observed globally. In young adulthood, students receive more parental support than nonstudents ( Bucx, van Wel, & Knijn, 2012 ; Johnson, 2013 ). A study of college students in Korea, Hong Kong, Germany, and the United States revealed that, across nations, parents provided advice, practical help, and emotional support to college students at least once a month ( Fingerman et al., 2016 ). Young people who don’t pursue an education may end up in part time jobs with revolving hours or off hour shifts and may depend on parents for support ( Furstenberg, 2010 ), but students typically receive more parental support ( Henretta et al., 2012 ).

Technology and geographic stability

Recent technologies also have altered the nature of the parent/child bond, allowing more frequent conversations and exchanges of nontangible support (e.g., advice, sharing problems). Beginning in the 1990s, competitive rates for long distance telephone calls facilitated contact between young adults and parents who resided far apart. Since that time, cell phone, text messages, email, and social media have provided almost instantaneous contact at negligible cost, regardless of distance (Cotten, McCollough, & Adams, 2012).

Parents and grown children also may have more opportunities to visit in person. Residential mobility decreased in the United States from the mid-20th century into the 21st century. Data regarding how far young adults reside from their parents in the United States are not readily available. But in 1965, 21% of U.S. adults moved households; mobility declined steadily over the next 40 years and by 2016 had dropped to 11% (U.S. Census Bureau, 2011, 2016). As such, parents and grown children may be more likely to reside in closer geographic proximity. Deregulation of airlines in 1978 in the United States established the basis for airline competition and declining prices in airfare (with concomitant diminished quality of air travel experience), facilitating visits between parents and grown children who reside at longer distances.

Cultural Beliefs Associated With Changes Between Parents and Young Adults

Culture also contributes to the nature of parent/child ties. Parents and grown children harbor values, norms or beliefs about how parents and grown children should behave. Shifts in cultural values have also contributed to increased involvement.

Historical changes in values for parental involvement

The cultural narrative regarding young adults and parents in the United States has shifted over the past few decades. During the 1960s and 1970s, popular media and scholars referred to the “generation gap” involving dissension between midlife parents and young adult children ( Troll, 1972 ). This cultural notion of a gap reflected the younger generation’s separation from the older one during this historical period. For example, in 1960, only 20% of adults aged 18–34 lived with their parents ( Fry, 2016 ). Into the 1970s, 80% of adults were married by the age of 30 ( Vespa, 2017 ). As such, the generations were living apart. Cultural attention to a generation gap reflected the younger generation’s independence from the older generation. Notably, there was not much empirical evidence of generational dissension . And in the 21st century, this conception of separation of generations and intrafamily conflict seems antiquated.

Today’s cultural narrative is consistent with increased intimacy and dependence of the younger generation, while also disparaging this increased parental involvement. Recent media trends and scholarly work in the early 21st century focus on “helicopter parents” who are too involved with their grown children (Fingerman, Cheng, Wesselmann, et al., 2012 ; Luden, 2012 ). Although the concept of the helicopter parent implies intrusiveness, it is also a narrative that reflects increased contact, intimacy, and parental support documented here. The pejorative aspect of the moniker stems from retention of norms endorsing autonomy; the relationships are deemed too close and intimate. Although intrusive parents undoubtedly exist, there is little evidence that intrusive helicopter ties are pervasive (outside small convenience studies of college students). Rather, young adults seem to benefit from parental support in many circumstances (Fingerman, Cheng, Wesselmann, 2012), but to perhaps question their own competency under some circumstances of parental support ( Johnson, 2013 ). Nevertheless, a cultural lag is evident in beliefs about autonomy in young adulthood versus the increased parental involvement. Many midlife parents believe young adults should be more autonomous than they are (Fingerman, Cheng, Wesselmann, et al., 2012 ).

Historical changes in sense of obligation

Shifts in beliefs are notable with regard to a diminished sense of obligation to attend to parent/child ties as well. Obligation has been measured most often with regard to midlife adults’ beliefs concerning help to aging parents (i.e., filial obligation). For example, Gans and Silverstein (2006) examined four waves of data regarding adults’ ties to parents from 1985 to 2000; they documented a trend of declining endorsement of obligation over that period. Similarly, many Asian countries (e.g., China, Korea, Singapore) traditionally followed Confucian ideals involving a high degree of respect and filial piety. But over the past three decades, these values have eroded in these countries ( Kim, Cheng, Zarit, & Fingerman, 2015 ). As such, norms obligating parent/child involvement seem to be waning.

Instead, the strengthened bonds and increased parental involvement may reflect a loosening of mores that govern relationships in general. Scholars have suggested that increased individual freedom and fewer links between work, social activity, and family life characterize modern societies over the past decades. These changes also are associated with evolving family forms (e.g., divorce and stepties) as well as decreased fertility ( Axinn & Yabiku, 2001 ; Lesthaegh, 2010 ). Likewise, this loosening of rules has rendered the parent/child relationship more chosen and voluntary in nature. This is not to say the tie has become reciprocal; parents typically give more to offspring than they receive ( Fingerman et al., 2011 ). Yet, the increased involvement and solidarity may stem from freedom parents and grown children experience to retain strong bonds (rather than following norms of autonomy).

National and ethnic differences in beliefs about parent/child ties

The role of beliefs and values in shaping ties between young adults and parents is evident in cross national differences. High parental involvement occurs most often in cultures where people highly value such involvement. Analysis of European countries has found that in countries where adults and parents coreside more often, adults place a higher value on parental involvement with grown children ( Hank, 2007 ; Newman, 2011 ). For example, families in Southern Europe (Spain, Italy, Greece) coreside most often and also prefer shared daily life. Based on this premise, we would expect to see a surge in norms in the United States endorsing intergenerational bonds and young adults’ dependence on parents, but this is not necessarily the case.

In addition to the cultural lag mentioned previously, within the U.S. ethnic differences in parental beliefs about involvement with young adults are evident. For example, Fingerman, VanderDrift, and colleagues (2011) examined three generations among Black and non-Hispanic White families. Findings revealed that overall, non-Hispanic White midlife adults provided more support of all types to their grown children than to their parents. Black midlife adults also provided more support overall to their grown children than to their parents, but they provided more emotional support, companionship, and practical help to their parents. Importantly, midlife adults’ support to different generations was consistent with ethnic/racial differences in value and beliefs—Black and non-Hispanic adults’ support behaviors were associated with their perceived obligation to help grown children and rated rewards of helping grown children and parents (above and beyond factors such as resources, SES, offspring likelihood of being a student, and familial needs) ( Fingerman, VanderDrift, et al., 2011 ). These findings were consistent with a study conducted in the late 20th century using a national sample of young adults; that study found that racial and immigration status differences in parents’ support of young adults reflected factors in addition to young adult resources, family SES, or other structural factors (Hardie & Selzter, 2016), presumably cultural differences. As such, the overall culture surrounding young adults and family may play a role in increased parental involvement.

Family Factors Associated With Changes Between Parents and Young Adults

Changes in family structure are likely to affect the nature of parent/child relationships, including (a) proportion of mothers married to a grown child’s father, (b) likelihood of a midlife parent having stepchildren, and (c) the grown child’s fertility. Collectively, these family changes contribute to the nature of bonds between young adults and parents, and raise questions about the future of this tie.

Declines in married parents and rise of stepfamilies

Changes in parents’ marital status contribute to relationships with grown children in complex ways. Some changes facilitate the strengthened bonds observed, but other changes diminish the likelihood of a strong bond. As such, while the overall trend shows greater parental involvement, specific groups of midlife parents may have only tenuous or conflicted ties with their grown children.

The previous few decades saw a shift from families where two parents were likely to be married to one another toward single parents and complex family forms. From 1970 to 2010, the marriage rate for women in the United States declined steadily, particularly for Black women (in 2010 only 26% of Black women were married; Cruz, 2013 ). Mothers who raise children alone typically have stronger ties when those children grow into young adults. By contrast, never-married fathers may have little contact and are more likely to be estranged from those children ( Hartnett et al., 2017 ).

Further, midlife adults are more likely to have ties to grown children through remarriage (i.e., stepchildren) than in the past. Divorce rates rose and plateaued in the mid to late twentieth century. Divorce is associated with greater tensions between young adults and parents, particularly for fathers ( Yu, Pettit, Lansford, Dodge, & Bates, 2010 ).

Remarriage rates also continued to rise over the past few decades; 40% of all marriages involve at least one partner who was previously married ( Livingston, 2014 ). A recent survey found 18% of adults in the United States aged 50–64 and 22% of adults over age 65 had a stepchild ( Pew Research Center, 2011 ). Stepparents are less involved with grown stepchildren ( Aquilino, 2006 ) and feel less obligated to help stepchildren than biological/adoptive parents do ( Ganong & Coleman, 2017 ; Pew Research Center, 2011 ). Thus, many midlife adults have ties to grown children that do not involve the intensity of biological relationships. Yet, it is not clear whether these same midlife adults have biological children to whom they remain close.

Young adults’ marriage and fertility

Young adults’ marital and procreation patterns may contribute to more intense bonds with midlife parents. In well-off families, young adults are delaying marriage ( Cherlin, 2010 ). Given that marriage typically draws young adults away from parents ( Sarkisian & Gerstel, 2008 ), this delay may contribute to more intense ties with parents. Upper SES young adults are more likely to marry, but do so at later ages ( Vespa, 2017 ) and thus, also retain stronger ties to parents.

Changes in childbearing also may facilitate prolonged ties to parents. The transition to adulthood co-occurs with the period of highest fecundity, but several factors contribute to diminished fertility since 1960s ( World Bank, 2017a ). Rising levels of women’s education and effective contraception are associated with lower birth rates ( Lesthaegh, 2010 ). Americans no longer believe parenthood is a key marker of adulthood ( Vespa, 2017 ). Further, declines in fertility occur during economic downswings, such as the Great Recession ( Mather, 2012 ).

Declines in fertility lengthen the period of time in which young adult retain child-free ties to parents, and also shape the midlife adults’ transition to grandparenthood. Yet, the likelihood and experience of being a grandparent also differs by socioeconomic position. In lower SES families, young adult women are more likely to become mothers without a long term partner ( Cherlin, 2010 ); their midlife mothers (the grandmothers) may help with childcare, housing, and other support. Further, lower SES midlife parents are more likely to be involved in living with or raising grandchildren (Ellis & Simons, 2014; U.S. Census Bureau, 2014). Thus, a majority of midlife adults remain in limbo with regard to whether and when they will become grandparents and their involvement with their own children reflects a prolongation of prior parental involvement, but a subset of typically under-privileged midlife parents may be highly involved in care for grandchildren.

Relationship and Individual Characteristics Associated With Parent/Child Ties

Finally, ties between midlife adults and their grown children occur between two people, and the characteristics of these people and their shared history account for the nature of those relationships.

History of the relationship

Close relationships in young adulthood may arise from strong relationships in childhood and adolescence. Attachment theory suggests children form bonds to parents in infancy that endure into their relationship patterns in adulthood, and theorists also argue that parents retain bonds to children formed earlier in life ( Antonucci & Akiyama, 1994 ; Kahn & Antonucci, 1980 ). Of course, these assumptions raise questions about what types of relationships are likely to be stronger in childhood and adolescence.

Similar structural, cultural, and family contexts contribute to childhood patterns and to continuity into adulthood. For example, upper socioeconomic status parents are more likely to engage in intensive parenting when their children are young such as playing games with them and ferrying them to soccer practice ( Bianchi & Milkie, 2010 ; Sayer, Bianchi, & Robinson, 2004 ). Likewise, parental marital status plays a role in these patterns, with divorced or single fathers less involved with young children than coresident married fathers ( Kalmijn, 2013a ; Sweeney, 2010 ). Lower socioeconomic mothers may be involved with their children because they are more likely to be never married or divorced. A complete review of the factors that shape ties between young children and parents is beyond the scope of this article, but suffice it to say that the factors that account for ties between young adults and parents also shape ties earlier in the lifespan, and that observed relationships between young adults and parents in part arise from these earlier relationships.

Individual Characteristics and Within Family Differences

In addition, midlife parents bring individual characteristics to their relationships with grown children, including their gender, socioeconomic position, and marital status. Socioeconomic position has already been covered with regard to provision of support, and marital status was reviewed with regard to family structure.

But parental gender also plays a key role, favoring maternal involvement with grown children. The pattern of current maternal involvement is not new; research from the mid twentieth century documented that mothers were consistently more involved than fathers were with grown children of all ages ( Rossi & Rossi, 1990 ; Umberson, 1992 ).

Parental gender is situated in a variety of other contextual variables, including SES (single mothers likely to be poorer, with fewer financial resources for children) and marital status (e.g., unmarried mothers are closer to their grown children, unmarried/remarried fathers have lessened involvement or may be estranged from grown children). Yet, studies find that mothers have more frequent contact with grown children, provide more support, and report greater closeness and conflict at midlife even after controlling for social structure and marital status (e.g., Arnett & Schwab, 2012a ; Fingerman et al., 2009 ; Fingerman et al., 2016 ).

Notably, relationships between young adults and parents also vary within families. That is, parents do not have equally intense relationships with each of their children ( Suitor et al., in press ). Parents respond to their children’s characteristics and their sense of compatibility with each child. Parents provide support in reaction to crises (e.g., divorce, illness) or ongoing everyday needs associated with a child’s statuses (e.g., child is a parent; student) or age ( Hartnett et al., 2017 ). Parents also are more likely to give support to young adult and midlife children whom they view as successful, with whom they have closer relationships, or with whom they share values ( Kalmijn, 2013b ; Suitor, Pillemer, & Sechrist, 2006 ; Suitor et al., 2016 ).

Declining fertility described previously may diminish within-family variability in the future ( World Bank, 2017a ). Today’s midlife adults grew up in larger sibships than today’s young adults, and parents invest more in each child in smaller sibships ( Fingerman et al., 2009 ). As such, the intensity of ties between midlife parents and their grown children is generally higher than in the past, and likely to remain high, with diminishment of within family variability.

All of these issues raise the question—do changes in parents’ ties to young adults matter for the parents? Theory and research regarding the effects of parental involvement have focused on the grown child (e.g., Johnson, 2013 ) rather than on the parent.

Emerging evidence suggests involvement with young adult offspring has implications for midlife parents’ current well-being, however. The research literature on this topic is nascent, beginning in the past 10 years (perhaps reflecting the increase in parental involvement during that period). Further, most studies examine effects of parental involvement without contextual factors such as SES or marital status. As such, the MIS model ( Figure 1 ) is comprised of two models, one model predicting parental involvement from a variety of factors, and the other model predicting parental well-being from parental involvement. Several of the connections between levels of the model are theoretical and warrant additional research attention. In describing associations between parental involvement and well-being, I highlight which factors might warrant particular research attention in the future.

Generativity and benefits of parental involvement

Midlife parents may benefit from involvement with their grown children. Erikson’s (1963) theory of lifespan development indicated the task of midlife is generativity—that is, midlife adults derive rewards from giving to the next generation. In the context of the parent/child tie, one study found that parents who gave more instrumental support to their grown children reported better well-being (fewer depressive symptoms) over time ( Byers, Levy, Allore, Bruce, & Kasl, 2008 ). Similarly, another study found that parents shared laughter and enjoyable exchanges with grown children in their daily interactions. Over the course of the study week, 90% of the parents ( N = 247) reported having an enjoyable encounter with a grown child, and 89% reported laughing with a grown child ( Fingerman, Kim, Birditt, & Zarit, 2016 ).

Yet, not all parents experience such generativity and enjoyment of grown children. The family factors described previously may play a role in whether parents benefit from, or are harmed by, involvement with grown children. Parents who are estranged from offspring (i.e., fathers) may suffer diminished well-being due to the loss of this normative role. Similarly, stepparents may incur fewer rewards due to lessened involvement with grown children. Future research should focus specifically on opportunities for generativity in different populations, particularly among midlife men.

Further, as mentioned, midlife adults are less likely to be grandparents due to young adults’ delayed fertility (or decisions to not have children). Midlife adults who are grandparents are often highly involved with their grandchildren (as well as their grown children), providing childcare on a frequent basis ( Hank & Buber, 2009 ). Grandparents typically find the grandparenting role rewarding ( Fingerman, 1998 ). Future research should ask whether midlife adults who have grown children, but not grandchildren experience frustration or longing.

Emotional involvement and grown children’s problems

Parental well-being also may align with events in their grown children’s lives. Coregulation of emotions has been found in marital couples and in ties between parents and younger children who live in their home ( Butler & Randall, 2013 ). Likewise, the increased frequency of contact with grown children may generate an immediate emotional response to problems grown children experience. Indeed, factors that have facilitated contact between generations, such as technologies, decreased mobility, and coresidence allow parents to experience immediate reactions to events in grown children’s lives. For example, in the 1980s, a grown child who failed a college exam might call at the end of the week to relate that story to a parent, along with the resolution of the problem (the professor offered extra credit because students did not perform well on that test). The parent learned of the events without reacting emotionally. By contrast, in the 21st century, young adults text or call their parents in the throes of crisis, and parents experience the vicissitudes of young adulthood in the moment.

In particular, midlife parents incur detriments from grown children suffering life crises such as divorce, health problems, job loss, addiction, or being the victim of a crime. Researchers have found that even one grown child experiencing one problem has a negative effect on a midlife parent, regardless of how successful other children in the family might be ( Fingerman, Cheng, Birditt, & Zarit, 2012 ). Similarly, in late life, mothers suffer when grown children experience such crises, irrespective of their favoritism or feelings about the grown child ( Pillemer, Suitor, Riffin, & Gilligan, 2017 ). These effects on parental well-being may reflect a variety of responses including a sense that one has failed in the parenting role, worry about the child, empathy with the grown child, or stress of trying to ameliorate the situation (Fingerman, Cheng, Birditt, et al., 2012 ; Hay, Fingerman, & Lefkowitz, 2008 ). Again, structural factors such as SES are associated with the likelihood parents will have a grown child who experiences such problems. That is, lower SES is associated with increased risks of a grown child experiencing financial and other life problems.

The familial changes noted previously also may play a role regarding which parents are affected by grown children. Stepparents may incur fewer rewards from stepchildren and less harm when their stepchildren suffer problems compared to biological (or adopted early in life) children. Yet, the marriage may suffer if the stepparent objects to the biological parents’ involvement with a grown children who has incurred a life crisis. Future research should address these issues.

In sum, many midlife parents incur benefits from their stronger ties to grown children. But when grown children experience life crises—job loss or serious health problems—these problems may undermine their parents’ well-being, particularly when parents are highly involved with those grown children.

Beliefs About Involvement With Grown Children

Parents’ beliefs about their involvement with grown children may also be pivotal in the implications of that involvement for their well-being. Cognitive behavioral theories suggest that individuals’ perspectives on these relationships determine the implications of involvement with family members. Indeed, research regarding intergenerational caregiving has established that beliefs about the caregiving role and subjective burden contribute to the implications of caregiving more than the objective demands of caregiving ( Aneshensel, Pearlin, Mullan, Zarit, & Whitlatch, 1995 ; Zarit, Reever, & Bach-Peterson, 1980 ).

Similar processes may be evident regarding midlife parents’ involvement with their grown children. It is not so much the involvement, per se, as the parents’ perceptions of that involvement that affects the parents’ well-being. For example, in one study, when midlife parents provided support to grown children several times a week, parents’ ratings of the child’s neediness were associated with parental well-being. Parents who viewed their grown children as more needy than other young adults reported poorer well-being, but the frequency of support the parents provided was not associated with the parents’ well-being (though more frequent support was beneficial from the grown child’s perspective; Fingerman, Cheng, Wesselmann, et al., 2012 ).

Shifts in beliefs and the associations with well-being may reflect both the overall cultural norms for parental involvement and the economy. For example, a study in the United States before the Great Recession (when intergenerational coresidence was less common) found that adults of all ages endorsed coresidence between generations solely when the younger generation incurred economic problems or was single and childless ( Seltzer, Lao, & Bianchi, 2012 ). A more recent study of the “empty nest” found that midlife parents who had children residing in their home in 2008 had poorer quality marital ties. But in 2013 (when intergenerational coresidence became more common), parents residing with offspring reported poorer marital quality only when their children suffered life problems ( Davis, Kim, & Fingerman, in press ). Thus, norms for parental involvement with grown children and the economic context may shape the implications of that involvement for parents’ marital ties and well-being. Parents are harmed when they believe their grown children should be more autonomous (Fingerman, Cheng, Wesselmann, et al., 2012 ; Pillemer et al., 2017 ).

Given the implications of young adult children for midlife parents’ well-being, it is worth considering how relationships with grown children may shape parents’ later years. We might consider two possible pathways with regard to parental aging. First, parents may continue in the role of parenting by giving support to the next generation even as the offspring transition to midlife. Second, most parents will require assistance at some point in the aging process. Again, the economic structures, norms, and family structures evident today may shape these processes, but the research is not well-developed regarding variability in these patterns.

Continued Involvement in the Parenting Role

Given current patterns of heavy involvement, parents may persist in the parenting role into late life. Primates demonstrate a general parenting predisposition long past the years of the progeny’s immaturity (at least among mothers). Jane Goodall, the famous primatologist reported her observations of Flo, an elderly female chimp. One day, Flo viciously attacked a young male chimp who had engaged in a fight with her son, Figan. Despite the aged Flo’s weaker status, she jumped in to protect her grown offspring ( Montgomery, 2009 ).

Human “primates” behave in a similar manner, continuing in the parental role and providing for their children in need, even in late life ( Suitor et al., 2006 ; Suitor, Sechrist, & Pillemer, 2007 ). These patterns are evident across cultural groups. Research regarding Western countries throughout Europe found that parents gave more support to grown children than the reverse ( Grundy & Henretta, 2006 ; Kohli, Albertini, & Kunemond, 2010). In the United States, Becker, Beyene, Newsom, and Mayen (2003) conducted a qualitative study of family ties among older adults in four different ethnic groups (Latino, African American, Vietnamese, and Filipino). Although the scholars noted ethnic differences in how groups viewed coresidence and family ties, older relatives in all four groups attempted to give financial or practical help such as child care to the younger generation.

Moreover, although Asian cultures have traditionally endorsed Confucian values for grown children to provide support to parents ( Kim et al., 2015 ), research in China finds that rural older adults still provide practical support to grown children or childcare for their grandchildren (i.e., if the grandchildren’s parents move to urban areas; Chen & Silverstein, 2000 ). Thus, despite cultural and economic differences, overall parents may remain heavily invested in the parenting role into late life and are likely to do so in the future.

Parental Needs for Care

Nevertheless, parents also typically incur needs for support by the end of life when physical health or cognitive abilities decline. Midlife children have been a mainstay of this support. As such, we ask how today’s young adults will care for their parents in old age.

The strengthening of intergenerational bonds may serve many older parents well at the end of life. Research examining current cohorts of older adults suggests that aging parents are more likely to receive care from a child who shares their values and with whom they have had a close relationship ( Pillemer & Suitor, 2013 ). Extending this pattern into future cohorts, the prolonged transition to adulthood provides opportunities for parents and young adult children to develop strong bonds. By midlife, these ties may facilitate a seamless transition to caregiving tasks because the two parties already engage in daily exchanges of emotional and practical help ( Fingerman et al., 2016 ; Fingerman, Huo, Kim, & Birditt, in press ).

By contrast, prolonged dependency on parents may stymie the offspring’s psychological growth and could impede the ability of midlife adults to care for their parents in late life. Researchers have shown that investment in adult roles (e.g., work, family) is associated with personality changes consistent with providing care to others (e.g., increased agreeableness, conscientiousness, emotional stability; Bleidorn et al., 2013 ; Lodi-Smith & Roberts, 2007 ). As such, exclusion from these roles may diminish psychological growth associated with helping parents in late life.

Yet, evidence suggests offspring will step in when the time come based on current patterns. A survey of over 1,000 caregivers in the United States revealed that nearly a quarter of them were aged 18–34 ( AARP, 2015 ). Granted, these younger caregivers typically were involved as secondary caregivers and put in fewer hours than older adults who were caring for a spouse. Nevertheless, these data suggest millennials are already stepping in to care for family.

Of course, patterns may vary within and between families. Some of the best predictors of relationship qualities in parent/child relationships over time are prior relationship qualities (Belsky, Jaffee, Shieh, & Silva, 2001; Suitor, Gilligan, & Pillemer, 2013 ). In essence, it is likely that parent/child ties that are well-functioning in young adulthood may persist in this manner, providing excellent care to aging parents. By contrast, relationships that are already fraught with difficulties may disband or generate inadequate parent care in late life.

Factors associated with future support

The factors that underlie current parental involvement may also shape the likelihood and type of future support that parents receive in old age. Yet structural factors may evolve over time. Thus, for any individual midlife parent today, future circumstances may be different.

Regarding socioeconomic status, prolonged parental support of young adults may have implications for parents’ financial well-being, even among parents who are not badly off today. Money is finite. As such, when midlife parents provide financial support to grown children, that support may come at the expense of the parents’ current and future financial well-being (e.g., own retirement savings). These patterns may be exacerbated for Americans in the bottom half of the economic ladder, who are unlikely to save for retirement at all ( Rhee, 2013 ). Yet, it is not clear how current financial demands on midlife parents bode for the future. For example, coresidence is more common among lower SES parents and adult children. And this coresidence may be setting up patterns now that facilitate support of parents in late life. A recent survey found that nearly half of grown children who reside with parents paid rent and nearly 90% contributed to household expenses ( Pew Research Center, 2012 ). When parents age, these children may step in with financial support providing lower SES parents with a safety net.

The role of technology in future ties with aging parents also is unclear. The technological advances of the early 21 century facilitated communication between adults and parents, as cell phones saturated markets nearly worldwide by 2015 ( World Bank, 2017b ). Yet, as the 21st century unfolds, social media are a dominant force in communication patterns. More importantly, social media platform usage differs by cohort. For example, 62% of adults who are online use Facebook, but young adults are more likely to use Instagram (59% of adults aged 18–29 in 2015 used Instagram, compared to only 8% of older adults; Pew Research Center, 2016 ). If these patterns persist, by late life, current midlife parents who use a certain form of social media may be shut out of communication if their grown children use a different social media platform. Perhaps this alienation will be avoided if both parties use a single social media platform—even a new one that emerges in the future.

Family structure may also have implications for parents as they grow older and require care. In the 20th century, scholars debunked the idea of the “sandwich generation” as a falsehood; most midlife caregivers had children who were grown and were not raising young children while caring for aging parents (Fingerman et al., 2010; Grundy & Henretta, 2006 ). If anything, today’s midlife adult is likely to be in a “club sandwich” where they confront demands from layers of generations—caregiving for an aging parent and responding to crises and everyday needs among their young adult offspring in sequence and simultaneously ( Fingerman, Pitzer, et al., 2011 ; Grundy & Henretta, 2006 ).

For young adults today who have children at later ages, however, a true sandwich may occur, with both generation pressing on the midlife generation squished like jelly in between. Aside from the increased stress on the midlife caregiver, quality of care may suffer. Older parents may worry about burdening their grown children and may not ask for help they need. Even older parents who seek assistance may suffer due to constraints on the midlife child who is consumed with raising her own children. In some families, adolescent grandchildren may supplement care provided by a midlife adult ( AARP, 2015 ; Hamil, 2012 ), and future research should examine this type of supplementary care. In sum, in the future, parents may find that their midlife children are experiencing strains balancing children in the home and aging parents, but some families may come together in caregiving with a third generation joining in.

Finally, with declining fertility rates, parents may selectively turn to midlife children who lack children of their own for care. Yet, the evidence for this assertion is mixed. In one study, aging mothers identified the grown child they anticipated would provide care and then examined who actually did provide care 7 years later. That study found no such association regarding whether the midlife child had children of his/her own ( Pillemer & Suitor, 2013 ), perhaps because adults who have children of their own assume nurturing roles toward their parents as well as their children. Other research has found that gay and lesbian married couples do a better job of supporting one another when providing care to aging parents than do heterosexual marital couples ( Reczek & Umberson, 2016 ). The authors attributed some of this spousal support of caregiving to gendered roles in marriage (i.e., men expect women to do caregiving but this not the case in gay and lesbian couples). Still, heterosexual couples are also more likely to have children who generate additional burdens competing with parental caregiving. Future research will need to examine how the current generation of parents elicits care from their offspring who may or may not have children of their own.

Parents are considerably more involved with their grown children aged 18–34 than was the case 40 years ago. Parents engage in more frequent contact, give more support, are more likely to live with a grown child, and experience greater affection. Societal changes in the form of economic challenges to attaining adulthood, new technologies facilitating communication, and public policies that place greater reliance on family contribute to these stronger bonds.

Distinct subgroups of parents warrant additional research attention. For example, although LGBT youth have received research attention—particularly with regard to coming out to parents ( Pew Research Center, 2013 ), studies examining LGBT midlife parents and their young adult offspring are all but absent from the literature. It is likely that these relationships are as involved as relationships involving married or single heterosexual parents, but the history of discrimination and inability to marry earlier in life may offer unique features to these ties.

Moreover, cultural values and beliefs are in flux. Many parents in the United States continue to endorse beliefs about grown children’s autonomy ( Fingerman, Cheng, Wesselman, et al., 2012 ; Vespa, 2017 ). It is not clear when (and whether) those values will shift and future studies should focus on this issue. Research should also seek to understand parental beliefs about goals during the adolescent years and the types of tasks parents expect their adolescent children to perform to prepare for young adulthood.

Of equal concern is the dearth of recent data regarding ethnic and racial differences in parents’ ties to young adults. Many publications regarding ethnic and racial differences among parents and young adult children still analyze data from the 1990s (e.g., Hardie & Seltzer, 2016 ), and it is not clear whether the findings are relevant in 2017.

Finally, there has been little attention to potential distinctions between rural and urban settings with regard to the transition to adulthood, and young adults’ ties to their midlife parents. Studies have examined these differences in China where urban residence requires permits that aging parents often lack ( Chen & Silverstein, 2000 ). Given the outflux of young people from rural areas in the United States, this topic warrants consideration in the United States as well.

The penultimate issue is how ties between midlife parents and young adult children will evolve into tomorrow’s support for aging parents. Rather than judge or criticize current patterns (e.g., young adults are immature), future research might seek to identify how the strengths of current patterns could lead to support of aging parents. Indeed, decades of research addressing marriage has generated algorithms to predict divorce and to provide interventions for maladaptive marital relationship patterns. Similar initiatives may be warranted with regard to intergenerational ties which seem to be replacing romantic partnerships as the primary relationships for many adults today.

Anecdotally, young adults seem to be involved in ways that facilitate their midlife parents’ well-being in many situations today. When Hurricane Harvey hit the Gulf Coast during the first week of classes at UT Austin in late August, 2017, the Provost sent a memo to faculty asking them to be flexible for the many students from Houston affected by the hurricane. In that memo, the Provost correctly pointed out that many of these young people would spend the semester going back and forth to Houston to help their parents move in and out of shelters and to restart their lives. This disaster brought to light the ways in which millennials reciprocate their parents’ involvement and investment via a strong sense of family cohesion in return.

In conclusion, involvement with young adult children has ramifications for midlife parents in positive and negative ways. Parents benefit from a close tie with frequent contact, and many parents find it rewarding to be involved in their grown children’s lives. Parents may also suffer if they vicariously experience their children’s life crises. Nevertheless, parental involvement may help mitigate children’s crises and improve the parents’ well-being as a result. And the offspring may step up and be there in moments of crisis as well. In sum, most parents view their grown children as valuable relationship partners from whom they benefit in the present, and may benefit in the future.

This study was supported by grants from the National Institute on Aging (NIA), National Institutes of Health (R01AG027769) the Family Exchanges Study II to K. L. Fingerman, Principal Investigator. This research also was supported by grant (5 R24 HD042849) awarded to the Population Research Center (PRC) at The University of Texas at Austin by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health.

None reported.

I am grateful to Steven Zarit for helpful comments on a draft of this article. Gianna Colera and Jaimee Liem assisted with proofreading a draft of this article.

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