If you’ve heard the term “Generation Gap” recently, you’ve probably wondered what it is. The term refers to the perceived difference between young people and their parents and grandparents. The term has several different definitions, but basically, it’s a difference between generations. The gap between the young and old is perceived as a significant social and political issue. In general, it’s true that people tend to act differently in different generations, but it can be caused by a variety of factors.
One factor in the Generation Gap is race. While 86 percent of the nation’s seniors are white, 42 percent of the population is not, and the gap between blacks and whites is the largest amongst non-whites. However, while many older voters associate big government with higher taxes, this doesn’t mean they understand the needs of the younger generation. The most prominent example of this is the political system. While older whites may support a smaller government, the more diverse younger people tend to favor a larger government’s investment in education, health, and social welfare programs.
The term “generation gap” came into popular use during the 1960s when anthropologists began to notice the cultural differences between baby boomers and their parents. This created a dramatic difference between generations and became a hot topic of conversation. Many people attributed the generation gap to the large size of the baby boomer generation. Experts believe the baby boomer generation was a big contributor to the problem. But even if that factor was not the primary cause, the generation gap continues to cause a great deal of tension between generations.
Another reason why generation gaps exist is because of different values and beliefs. In the 1960s, the ’60s revolution caused many people to reject their parents’ values, political opinions, and cultural tastes. Many sociologists call this phenomenon “age segregation.” These differences in values and attitudes are often based on individual differences, but the overall generation gap is minimal. In some ways, the Generation Gap can be a good thing. And if the problem persists, the generations may have to work together to overcome it.
In the long run, a generation gap in the workplace can hurt the productivity and communication of employees. Fortunately, there are some things that employers can do to overcome this problem. For example, employers should consider focusing on the interests of each generation in their hiring process. A millennial may be more interested in salary and benefits than benefits, while a Gen Xer may prioritize diversity and social responsibility. If you want to be competitive in the workplace, you need to understand and manage this generation gap.
The gap between the generations is often exacerbated by the differences in dependency ratios. Currently, the white dependency ratio is higher than the Hispanic dependency ratio. However, it will overtake the black dependency ratio by 2040. That means that working-age Hispanics and Asians will prioritize their own needs before those of their elderly dependents. In contrast, whites and blacks will put their own needs first as they enter their retirement years.