Generation Gap

Does the generation gap still exist? Which are in your opinion the causes that generate it?
The generation gap is the perceived gap of

cultural differences between one generation
and the other. The reason for the gap can
largely be attributed to rapidly changing ideals
and societal norms. The term came into use in
the 1960s in America when culture and society
was changing very dramatically between one
generation and the next.
Generational gaps are a modern phenomenon
caused by the rapid changes of the modern era. Technological advances have made
communication with other cultures and different groups with different ideas much easier.
As younger generations grow up with these advances and exposure to new ideas and
cultures, they become separated from the previous generation in terms of philosophy and
culture. The stereotype of conservative parents and liberal children is a result of the
generation gap.
In previous eras before the 1960s, communication was more limited. Younger
generations grew up influenced primarily by their parents, their immediate family and
their immediate neighbors. Thus, they continued the older generation's traditions and
ideals. However, in the present day, the influences grow larger with every passing decade.
By the time children reach adulthood, they have come into contact with a myriad of ideas
and cultures, shaping and influencing their thought process. A generation gap is not only
about that true age difference between parents and children. It is much more related to the
different thoughts and due to this the different
behaviour between them.Older parents find it difficult to "adjust" to their children and the
present youth's, their children's code of conduct. Generation gaps are simply caused due
to the sheer difference in times and worlds in which we are born. The world keeps
changing, things and trends come and go, and along with them, people grow, adapt and
evolve differently, too.
There are mainly three causes why the generation gap between parents and their
children is formed.
Firstly, time for communication is insufficient. A majority of parents spend too little
time communicating with and listening to their children, even though they love them very
much. This is due to their heavy workload and inevitable stress faced in workplace, as
well as long working hours. Parents are under a lot of pressure to strike a balance
between work and family. Notwithstanding, children do not share their school life or
other day-to-day events with their parents. On the whole, parents are actually making
great sacrifices to earn a living. On the contrary, their children are being neglected.
Parents may not know what their children are thinking about. This causes communication
barriers in the family.
Secondly, parents may have absolute control over their children. They believe that
study is a privilege for the rich. Accordingly, parents have a lot of concern for their
childrens academic performance at school instead of paying attention to their favourite
interests and hobbies. They want their children to have more advantages and
opportunities. Thus, children may not have complete freedom in the choice of those
leisure activities and the books that they read. They seem to be little birds trapped in a
very small cage. As a result, children always believe that their parents are against their
opinions all the way.They try to keep everything secretive and do not tell their parents
when they encounter any problems.
Thirdly, there are different attitudes adopted by two generations. Most parents adopt
a straight face and do not show their feelings when they talk to their children.
Furthermore, they scold their children frequently or even give them physical punishment.
These are due to the traditional custom. Conversely, children do not want to follow their
parents orders since they think that there are no reasons to support why parents thoughts
are right. Besides, children do not want their parents to treat them as three-year-old kids.
Children believe that they are grown-ups and it is high time for them to be independent.
This helps them to gain more self-esteem. On the whole, both parents and their children
do not see things from the standpoints of each other. Thus, misunderstanding is a great
cause for the formation of generation gap.
To tackle this problem, there are some ways by which such generation gap can be
bridged.
Firstly, parents and their children have to be aware of the importance of open
communication. In order to break the ice and rebuild a close parent-child relationship,
communication is extremely crucial. Parents should not only concentrate on their jobs
and leave their children alone. They have to reserve some specific time to be with their
children and show care to them. Similarly, children have to discuss serious things or big
decisions with their parents as it shows respect to them. On the whole, both parents and
children should try to explain their ideas to family members in a forgiving manner
without anger or hatred.
The second one is that parents must not put too much pressure on their childrens
studies. Parents should not have too high expectation. They have to discuss their
childrens progress with the teachers. Moreover, parents should work closely with schools
through Parent-Teacher Association in order to participate in more talks and extracurricular activities with their children. On the other hand, parents should know what
their children like the most. Indeed, they should give their children a chance to choose
what they love if the choices resort to proper outlets.
In addition, both parents and their children have to adopt an appropriate attitude in
treating each other. Parents must not start a conversation by giving orders. Instead, they
can begin by discussing a topic that can hold their childrens interests. Moreover, parents
need to avoid being stereotyped as unreasonable commanders who order their children to
do things without giving sufficient reasons. The most important thing is that parents
should set a clear reward-and-punishment system for their children. Corporal punishment
is not allowed since this may cause a profound impact on their childrens development.
All in all, it is not easy to bridge the generation gap between parents and their children.
When parents need to work overtime, their children should be obedient to them and
understand how tired the parents are after a days hard work. Children can give a hug or a
kiss to their parents and this can increase the intimacy between them. Finally, let us
remember a merry family requires lots of give-and-take, and it really needs the cooperation of all its members. Accordingly, the generation gap between parents and their
children can easily be bridged.

Generation Gap

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Does the generation gap still exist? Which are in your opinion the causes that generate it?

The generation gap is the perceived gap of

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