Generational Shift: How Our Attitudes Differ from Our Parents’

It’s on a Saturday afternoon, it’s on a lazy Saturday afternoon, one of those few weekends that you can just lie down and allow yourself to daydream… “There is the distant sound of squirrels squeaking, birds chirping, dogs barking in excitement, and even the distant sound of a car honking its horn. I remembered those days of being a little girl without a worry in the world, just wondering when is the next meal because lunch felt like ages ago. My parents were in their room talking, and my siblings and I were at the table in the living room reading in preparation for promotional exams….. While reliving these memories, my child came into my room (breaking through the daydream) to ask when dinner would be ready. As I was about to respond in anger for interrupting my daydream with the words “Have you finished reading all your books?” I bit my lips instead and responded, I will start preparing dinner in 2 hours. The child left happily, satisfied with my response, and I asked myself, Why would I have answered angrily when all that was needed was a simple answer and everyone would have been happy at the end of the day?

Then I remembered my earlier memory recall, and I wondered: would that have been my parents’ response if I had gone to their room that faithful day many years ago to ask them when the next meal would be ready instead of sitting down at the table pretending to read when all I was thinking about was food… hmm.

Then I began to wonder: How is my generation’s attitude different from that of my parents’ generation? because most people tend to repeat or become what they complained about their parents or their elders. Are we better off, or are we recycling the same attitude?

The curiosity led me to share my thoughts in the form of a question with people on my contact list, and the response was so insightful and diverse that I felt it was worth sharing with you all and even thinking about.

Question: How is the attitude of my generation different from the attitude of my parents’ generation?

One of the most prominent themes (as the responses were grouped into themes) was the impact of technology and global connectivity. Our generation benefits from unprecedented access to information, leading to more open-minded and globally aware perspectives. This exposure has made us more adventurous and adaptable, but it’s also brought challenges like information overload and potential overexposure to negative influences.

Another key difference lies in our approach to social norms and personal growth. We’re more likely to question traditional values, break stereotypes, and prioritise individual expression. There’s a strong emphasis on intentional living—from parenting styles to career choices—focusing on personal satisfaction and well-being over mere conformity.

Interestingly, faith and spirituality emerged as significant factors. Many respondents noted a more personalised approach to faith, guided by individual exploration rather than strict adherence to community-dictated religious practices.

In the workplace, our generation tends to place job satisfaction and work-life balance over the more traditional notion of lifelong commitment to a single employer. However, this shift has led to concerns about decreased dedication and focus compared to our parents’ generation.

Emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills were also highlighted. We tend to be more aware of mental health issues, more tolerant of diversity, and more inclined to communicate openly about feelings. Our parenting styles often reflect this, favouring discussion and collaboration over strict authority.

While we acknowledge the wisdom and strengths of our parents’ generation, we’re also conscious of the need to adapt to our rapidly changing world. We’re more likely to engage in critical thinking, question established norms, and seek innovative solutions to personal and societal challenges.

In conclusion, I realised that our attitudes reflect a complex interplay of technological advancement, social evolution, and personal growth. While we may approach life differently than our parents, we’re ultimately seeking to create a more inclusive, balanced, and fulfilling existence in an increasingly complex world.

What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments.