Generation gap is the difference between one generation and the other. There exists a lot of variations among the two generations, mainly the thoughts and opinions. The younger generation have doubts and certain questions to their parents and they went against a lot of things that their parents firmly believed in.

The generation gap has led to several changes in the society as the generations have differences in various criteria like,

  • Dressing sense

  • Kind of music they listen to

  • Movies they prefer watching

  • Religious beliefs

  • Political ideologies

  • Socio - economic opinions

  • Moral values

  • Relationship type

CAUSES FOR THE DIFFERENCES

The introduction of new thoughts, beliefs and morals led to the differences of opinions and social values between the younger and older people. The attitude and thinking differs from generation to generation. The notion of right and wrong changes with every generation, which is the root factor for the clash. Not only the children and parents face the generation gap, but also the siblings and cousins face the same. Lack of communication is yet another cause for these kind of differences.

THE CLASH

The younger generation thinks the elder to be old-fashioned and the old ones think that the younger ones are shallow. The older generation preferred a ‘Joint family system’, where a lot of caring and sharing is seen. The newer generations are inclined towards ‘Nuclear families’. When we go as a family to dine out, we could see the elders in our family ordering the same old dishes, while the younger ones linger to taste a variety of cuisines. The holiday destinations varies with the opinions of the people of different generations.

ACCEPT THE REALITY

  • Generation gap is a natural phenomenon and parents should understand the point-of-view of their children.

  • Children, likewise, should respect their parents and their opinions. The children must understand that their parents want what is best for them, though they may seem more orthodox.

  • Both the generations must grow a kind of friendship in order to know each other.

  • It is therefore eminent to bridge the gap and embrace the differences without imposing one’s ideas on other.

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