What is the generation gap and how is it visible?

Human beings share many characteristics. However, there is no doubt that the sociocultural context in which we are born, grow and live has an impact on our personality and way of seeing life. That is why People from different generations may have difficulty understanding, relating and interacting with each other. This is known as the generation gap.

This phenomenon can be both positive and negative depending on the prism from which it is approached. And it is that These differences hinder coexistence, but they also enrich the environments and the people who inhabit them.

From families, to companies or the neighborhood communities themselves, the truth is that this mix of generations accompanies us on a daily basis and we can take advantage of it.

What is the generation gap?

One of the most common ways to segment the population is based on their age or year of birth; in other words, depending on the generation to which they belong.

It is considered that Historical and cultural events such as economic crises, technological development or revolutions differentially mark behavioral patterns of these groups of people, giving them certain particularities.

In 2012, Kotler and Keller presented one of the best-known classifications in this regard, designating the different groups as the silent generation, baby boomersgeneration millennials and centennials. Thus, we can say that The generation gap designates the differences in attitudes, values ​​and behaviors among the members of said categories.

How is the generation gap made visible?

This gap appears in various contexts; In fact, in all those in which people from different cohorts come together. And it is presented in different aspects that we detail below.

Knowledge

This disparity in knowledge is evident, above all, in the digital divide. The new generations are digital natives and they use the Internet and technological devices in a way that their ancestors did not master. In addition, language knowledge also marks a barrier or inequality between different generations (Martín, 2020).

Communication

Each generation also has its own communication style and this may make exchange between them difficult. For example, it can hinder communication between teacher and student; but it also affects the interaction between parents and children or between different generations within the same organization or company (Fernández & Ulloa, 2006).

Values

The core values ​​of younger people differ markedly from those adopted by previous generations. As an example, the baby boomers They are more reflective and work-oriented, while members of Generation X place a higher value on work-life balance. For their part, those of generation Y show a more sociable and global attitude (Gibson et al., 2009).

This can cause friction when different cohorts coexist or cooperate for a common goal, since Priorities and ways of proceeding are not the same for everyone.

Motivation

On the other hand, the way of motivating or incentivizing each of these generations is also different.

As stated in an article published in the International Journal of Economy, Management and Social Sciences, More traditional generations tend to seek respectful communications and value personal relationships in business; Meanwhile, new generations prefer more direct and clear communications (such as sending an email) and value equal treatment.

Whether a parent is looking to motivate their child to get involved in their studies or a boss is trying to lead a work team, knowing what motivates each person based on their generation is essential.

Advantages and disadvantages of the generation gap

All of these discrepancies are a problem for different reasons. As we said, They can make understanding between members of the same family difficult or complicate collaboration in work teams.

Likewise, they can hinder the teaching process in educational centers or harm communication in any context that encompasses different generational groups.

However, it is also an advantage in that such differences help to enrich the perspectives of all involved. Younger people can collaborate with older people to become familiar with new technologies and open their perspective to recent ideologies that are unknown to them.

On the other hand, it is possible that elders share their knowledge, advise from experience and transmit important values that, perhaps, had more weight in previous stages. To take advantage of the generation gap, it is important to implement a series of steps such as the following:

Respect each generation. And, to do this, abandon the idea that our own ideals and perspectives are correct and the desire to impose them on those who think differently.Maintain an open attitude and genuine interest. We must keep in mind that this diversity is a great asset to enrich ourselves and learn what, otherwise, perhaps we would not learn.Identify and enhance the qualities and virtues of each generation. The values ​​and attitudes of each age group bring unique value to a family or organization if they are appreciated and used accordingly.Find common spaces. The fact that people from different cohorts live together and share time is very beneficial. To do this, you can look for common interests, projects or hobbies that allow this exchange.

Final recommendations

In short, the generation gap is an undeniable reality that we face in different areas. However, understanding what it is and what its influence is leaves us in a better position to reduce friction and take advantage of diversity.

When interacting with a person from another generation you must maintain an open and respectful attitude, You may need to tone down your communication to accommodate him or make an effort to understand his values ​​and what motivates him. However, overcoming this gap will open the door to an enriching exchange.

You might be interested…